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Copperhead

This type of snake, rarer than commonly assumed, inflicts a bite that easily leads to amputation or death.

Devil’s Bathtub

This swimming hole looms large in the novel, being repeatedly the site of death.

Football

This sport is something of a cultural focus in the area of the novel, offering some potential of escape from the prevailing situation.

Hillbilly

A commonly derogatory term, this label for the protagonist’s regional and cultural heritage is one of many reclaimed terms at work in the novel.

Knoxville

This American city is the metropolitan focus for the region in which the novel occurs. A mid-sized city, it is used as an emblem of urban life.

Lee County

Focal location of the novel, this area is taken as a stand-in for an entire economically depressed region of the United States.

Melungeon

Formerly a derogatory term, this label for the protagonist...

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This section contains 239 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample