Dr Tom Kerns
North Seattle Community College

 

Study Questions for
Miss Evers' Boys

 

1. In scene I, the men appear to be wary of participating in a government study. Why?
2. What was Miss Evers' initial reason for participating in the study?
3. What was the full name of the study and what was it intended to examine?
4. How does Dr Douglas persuade Willie to have his blood drawn?
5. What argument does Dr Douglas use with Dr Brodus to allow the study to continue (page 40)?
6. What was the reason that syphilis was not considered worthy of government research funds?
7. In scene 5, what is Miss Evers' objection to the proposed study? How is her objection overcome by both doctors?
8. Why didn't the "boys" receive penicillin when it became available?
9. Brodus uses whose ethical modality, Mill's or Kant's, to justify his own actions (page 76). Explain.
10. Why isn't the study terminated even when the results are absolutely clear? (page 81)
11. What is Brodus' answer when he is accused of not helping his own race? (page 88)
12. What does Miss Evers' opening recitation of the nurse's pledge do for the story?