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 families in this story seem to have more troubles than those who are not blood related. The Dead family in particular has a number of strange interactions that seem to make a reader question if they love each other at all.

Part 1 - What are some of the strange ways the Dead family interacts?

Part 2 - Describe the relationship between Pilate and Macon. Does it seem that these two love each other? Why or why not?

Part 3 - Describe the relationship between Pilate and Milkman. Do these two seem to have a strong relationship? Why or why not?

Part 4 - What does the fact that Macon tried to keep Milkman away from Pilate say about Macon's ideas about family?

Essay Topic 3

The songs in this book are powerful points in the story and they relay different ways the characters feel about each other and the different ways the characters are connected.

Part 1 - Give three examples of the way song is used in this novel (besides the title).

Part 2 - Describe what each of these examples of song seem to say about those who are singing and about those who are sung to.

Part 3 - Obviously, the title is an example of song as well, but why do you think this title was chosen? What is its significance? Is it a strong title? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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