Danticat's beautiful, lyrical language lends a layer of richness to the experience of reading The Farming of Bones. Select three instances where the author uses strong sensory language and:

1) Describe the language she uses.

2) Discuss the impact of the language on your experience of reading this scene. How does your understanding of the story change because of this language? How is it enhanced? Is it more or less pleasurable? Why?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout The Farming of Bones, Edwidge Danticat weaves actual events from history into her fictional story. Select one of the situations where she places her characters within a real historical context and:

1) Describe the historical context of the scene or chapter (i.e., What actually happened in history that Danticat uses in the book?)

2) Discuss the relationship between the historical context and the fictional story. What does this piece of history have to do with Amabelle's life? Why does Danticat choose to place these characters at this particular point in the story in this particular historical context?

Essay Topic 3

Though Sebastien is not involved in much of the action of the novel, he plays a major role in the plot and development of Amabelle's character. Write an essay discussing:

1) Sebastien's character traits.

2) The impact of Sebastien's life on the plot and Amabelle's character.

3) The impact of Sebastien's death on the plot and Amabelle's character.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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