Segregation / Integration

Segregation refers to the separation of white Americans and non-white Americans (referred to in the book and in the historical period as “colored” or “Negro”, referred to in more contemporary terms as “black” or “African-American”) in all levels of society – everything from schools (the focus of the situation in the book) to water-fountains to military service. Integration, on the other hand, refers to the process of breaking down and/or eliminating segregation (i.e. putting “coloreds” on increasingly equal footing with “whites”). Tension between the two sides arguing that each is the correct way to be forms the emotional, political, and cultural context for the novel.

The Lions

Throughout the narrative, the lions in the Little Rock zoo are important narrative and/or thematic touchstones for the characters. Their roaring both lulls Marlee to sleep and inspires her to action, while their literal imprisonment can...