There are a number of images - ghosts, peacocks, cedar tree, etc. - that seem to pop up in this novel as symbols for something greater in terms of the novel's message.

Part 1 - List at least four symbols that occur in this story, where they occur, and who sees them.

Part 2 - What do you think each of these symbols mean for the story when they appear?

Part 3 - Do these symbols help to add to the story's message? Why or why not? What do you feel the overall message might be?

Essay Topic 2

The ongoing debate over nature vs. the ideals of society is one that plays out in this novel, especially with those in the Dead family.

Part 1 - Compare and contrast Pilate and Macon. How do they live and how does this relate to society?

Part 2 - Do you feel society plays a large role in the decisions we make or does our upbringing play a larger role? Why?

Part 3 - Does society cause us to be who we are or does family? Give examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There is a lot of foreshadowing in this novel, though it's not always clear at the time. Morrison's use of these 'hints' helps a reader see that the story is moving in the direction it says it is, even when it seems like the characters are unpredictable.

Part 1 - Describe three instances of foreshadowing in the story.

Part 2 - Why do you think Pilate is the character who is able to give the other characters many of the foreshadowing hints?

Part 3 - What does foreshadowing do for this story? Does it help the characters or does it hurt them? How?

(see the answer keys)

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