What are the general characteristics that Vance says are fundamental to hillbilly culture? How did hillbilly families adapt these elements to their new communities after migrating to northern cities?

This question ensures that students understand the basics of hillbilly culture and how it remained fairly constant even when many families left rural Appalachia.

Why does J.D. consider Jackson, KY to be his home, despite the fact that he lived the majority of his life in Middletown, OH?

This encourages students to understand the important role that his family’s homestead plays in J.D.’s life, particularly as his anchor in hillbilly culture.

Describe J.D.’s feelings toward the actions of his family, particularly those of the Blanton men. How did his opinion of those actions shift over time?

This encourages students to understand why Vance admired his family’s storied past a child but...