How common was it for runaway slaves to make it to freedom and establish permanent homes in the North? Do some research to see if Sybela's story is typical. Identify through research other areas in Northern cities like Homewood.

What's the significance of Greece and the Greek island in the story? How does it relate to the Sybil, which the narrator identifies with Sybela?

Compare Wideman's narrative technique of weaving together multiple voices with the narrative technique of another story you have read.

Explain your opinions on Wideman's comparison of his brother to a runaway slave? What questions about fairness and the criminal justice system are raised by this story? Try to answer this question by looking at the issues from several perspectives.