Who Was Neil Armstrong?

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness or death and child death.

How does the text characterize Armstrong as a parent, friend, and husband? How does this compare and contrast with its characterization of him as a pilot and astronaut?

Armstrong’s landing on the moon is a widely known historical fact. How does Edwards use structure, tone, and choice of details to create tension and suspense around the landing, even though most readers will already know it was successful?

Consider Armstrong’s reaction to Muffie’s death as portrayed by Edwards. How does his reaction to his daughter’s death help to characterize him and support the narrative’s themes?