Caucasia | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Caucasia Topics for Discussion

Why do you think author Danzy Senna creates new words like negritude and negrobilia?

Several authors besides Danzy Senna have struggled to convey positive images of blackness in English. Toni Morrison has used terms like "dark and rich as earth." How do Morrison and Senna's techniques differ? How are their purposes similar?

Before Birdie attends the Nkrumah school, is she closer to her mother or her father? Why?

The novel is ambiguous about Sandy Lee's fugitive status. Why would Sandy Lee exaggerate the danger to Birdie?

Who do you think has a harder time during their separation, Cole or Birdie? Why?

Birdie is both scared and relieved when Samantha Taper says Birdie is "Black like me." Why?

While Birdie and Sandy are fugitives, they move every six months and even change cars. What is the effect of this situation on Birdie?

Why does it bother Birdie to be mistaken for...
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