Topic 1

Why does Richard’s family treat him with such brutality? Does he do anything to warrant the abuse heaped on him by his family? Why do Aunt Addie and Uncle Tom seem to hate him so? Is there evidence that his mother does care about him?

Topic 2

Richard seems to incite white people more than other young Negroes do. What is it about Richard that makes them so angry with him? Does he act any differently than the other Negro children?

Topic 3

What is the effect of Richard’s constant hunger on his life? How might his life have been different if his mother had not always been ill? How might his life have been different if he had been able to get more education?

Topic 4

Why did Richard eventually drop out of the Communist Party? Was the Party justified in viewing him with suspicion? The...