Discuss Jake's trip to France and London, England. How does Jake end up in London's East End? Why does Jake decide to return to Harlem? Could he have had a good life in London?

Discuss Jake's obsession with the brown woman he meets at the Baltimore cabaret. What makes the so-called long-lost brown woman so special to Jake?

Discuss Jake's relationship to Rose. Is Jake ever in love with Rose? Is he just using her?

Discuss Jake and Zeddy's approach to women. Why does Zeddy view Jake as more successful with women? Why does Zeddy's relationship with Susy collapse?

Discuss the use of alcohol by Jake and his friends. Do they drink too much? How does alcohol affect Jake's health?

Discuss violence over sexual affairs. How does violence between women over men differ from violence between men over women? Is it the normal rivalry...