3. About how many hours straight does Roy describe spending with Davina after he went to her home for dinner the first time in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

4. What novel by James Baldwin did Roy's French teacher give him?

5. What was Olive's maiden name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Christmas Day described in Part Three: "Generosity"?

2. What does Andre learn upon arriving at Big Roy's house? How does he respond to this news?

3. How does Roy know Davina Hardrick? How do they meet again?

4. What does Celestial mean when she says that "Much of life is timing and circumstance" (138)?

5. What are the reasons that Roy has hope for a second chance with Celestial after his release?

6. Who is Tamar and what advice does she give to Roy?

7. What does Roy's missing tooth represent symbolically in the novel?

8. What impression did Big Roy have on Andre at Olive's funeral?

9. What happens when Roy returns home after leaving Davina's in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

10. What happens in the climax of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Celestial's "Dear John" letter to Roy. Why do you think Celestial did not tell Roy face-to-face that she wanted a divorce? Would her character be more empathetic if she had done so? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Celestial in An American Marriage. What does Celestial do for a living? Where was she educated? For how long is she married to Roy before Roy's arrest? How does Celestial's character evolve in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the legal aspects of An American Marriage. Under what circumstances is Roy found guilty? What evidence is presented at Roy's trial? How does Roy go about winning his appeal?

(see the answer keys)

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