A Soldier's Play Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

A Soldier's Play Topics for Further Study

Research the role of black soldiers in World War II. Blacks did not fare well after the end of World War I; in view of this experience, what did they hope to change by fighting in this second war?

Investigate the history of the Ku Klux Klan. Why did it seem to Henson that the Klan must be responsible for Waters's death?

Compare the film version of A Soldier's Play, now titled A Soldier's Story, with the theatrical play. How are the characters revealed and the mystery maintained in the film?

Compare Davenport and Taylor. Each is a captain and each is concerned with justice, but each man has a different plan on how to resolve the murder. How are they alike? How are they different?

Waters' s motive in framing C.J. is to rid the army of those he considers to be southern black fools,...
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