Why, do you think, Howard's northern mother is reluctant to join her family on the visit to her husband's parents?

In what ways are the circumstances of Tilly and Delphine similar? Consider, in particular, their family situation and their personal character. In what ways are their circumstances, and their responses to those circumstances, very different? Consider, in particular, their perspectives on their fathers and how their relationships with their fathers evolve and/or manifest.

Consider and discuss the practice of, and need for "passing" (i.e. black people with the "right" skin tone and the "right" sort of features "passing" as white). Why do you think this was important during the time of the novel's setting (i.e. the Civil War)? Why do you think passing might be important now, as it still is? What do black people stand to gain if they are...