Carolyn Bryant's Story

Students are asked to discuss the mutability of Carolyn's story then and now, and comment on how believable her story has been and is now.

Racism in the North

Students are asked to discuss the nature of racism in the North as opposed to the South. In other words, was Emmett completely naïve when he visited Mississippi?

The Encounter

Students are asked to explain their understanding of the details of the encounter between Emmett and Carolyn, and then comment on why they think they changed so much when it happened.

The Murder

Students comment on how Bryant and Milam justified the murder, and what they think of the men's answer.

Emmett's Ring

Students tease out the significance of the ring that Emmett wore and what it symbolizes in the book.

Mamie's Reaction

Students are asked what they think about Mamie's decision to turn...