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1. Explain Raleigh's message of doom in Chapter 1.

Raleigh gets a negative fortune cookie message in Chapter 1. Someone has replaced the normal messages with messages of doom. His message says he will fall apart by the end of the month.

2. What is Raleigh's relationship with Mingo, as the story begins in Chapter 1?

At the beginning of Chapter 1, the reader learns that Raleigh and Mingo are best friends. Their friendship goes all the way back to their childhoods.

3. Discuss Mingo and Vera's weight.

Both Mingo and Vera have had weight problems. Mingo is obese, but after Vera had her mouth wired shut, she is considered voluptuous at the time the story opens.

4. Why is Earley in the hospital at the beginning of the story, and how does he leave?

In the beginning of the story, Earley is in the hospital to be treated for heart disease. He leaves the hospital without telling his son. Earley leaves the hospital with a young black woman who is wearing a blonde wig.

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