Who is Harper McAvoy? How did he come to have a mulatto brother? Why is he ashamed of this brother? Why does he dislike this brother? Why does Harper not take more of an interest in Pin Oak? What happens to Pin Oak under Harper's care? Why does Harper attempt to sell Henri? What happens when he threatens to sell Henri's wife? Why? What is the symbolism of the birds coming out of the river after Henri and his family fall into it? What happens to Harper?

Why does Hoop accuse Alvin of killing Riley Holt? Why does Hoop take matters into his own hands? What is the KKK? Why does Hoop use them to kill Alvin? How does Hoop feel about his actions afterward? Why does Hoop eventually confess to the crime of killing Riley Holt and Alvin Tinsley? Why does Hoop's gas...