4. About how many hours straight does Roy describe spending with Davina after he went to her home for dinner the first time in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

5. How old was Davina's son when he was charged and sent to prison?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Big Roy changed when he picks up Roy from prison?

2. How do Celestial and her father differ on their views of marriage?

3. What does Roy note about the first page of his family's Bible?

4. What does the pear represent in the novel?

5. How does Roy know Davina Hardrick? How do they meet again?

6. What does Celestial mean when she says that "Much of life is timing and circumstance" (138)?

7. What impression did Big Roy have on Andre at Olive's funeral?

8. What is the significance of the title of Part Three: "Generosity"?

9. Why did Olive and Big Roy never have more children?

10. Who is Tamar and what advice does she give to Roy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of Old Hickey in the novel. What does the tree represent to Celestial? What does it represent to Andre? Why does Roy attempt to destroy the tree?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of foreshadowing in An American Marriage. From the first pages of this novel, the reader becomes aware that there will be a setback to the happy marriage of Roy and Celestial. What clues indicate the events that will happen? How do these events play out?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of fatherhood in An American Marriage. How does the author develop this theme through character? How is the theme developed through symbolism and setting? What does fatherhood mean to the characters in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

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