Most discussions focus on the tone, or the ways in which Morrison suggests we should view her principal characters. This analysis suggests a "double" view, but the position from which one proceeds in reading Tar Baby could challenge this view. For example, is Jade to be pitied as a victim of two repressive cultures, which limit her options on the basis of both race and gender? Is she doing the best she can under these circumstances?

1. How do you explain Jade's attraction to Son, both when she first sees him and after he becomes abusive? Is the notion of his sexual magnetism sufficient to account for her turning her back on her aunt and uncle, Ryk and Paris, and her dreams?

2. Similarly, what explains Son's attraction to Jade? She is beautiful, but he tries to change her appearance as soon as they become lovers. Moreover, he...