In author Fox Butterfield's view, where did the "street code" of honor and violence originate?

How did slavery exacerbate the culture of violence in Edgefield?

How did the absent father phenomenon present throughout the generations of Bosket men contribute to their violence?

Describe Butch's worst and best moments. Why weren't there more of the latter and less of the former?

Why did Butch kill himself?

Why did Willie end his correspondence with his father?

Why did Willie hate the system?

What made Butch and Willie so angry, in Butterfield's opinion?

Were Butch and Willie sociopaths? Why or why not?

What is Butterfield's explanation of America's culture of violence? How is his thesis illustrated in his exploration of the Bosket family history? Do you find his view plausible? Why or why not?