In the end, Milkman 'flies' off into a chasm, but it's not certain what happens after that. Following in his great grandfather's footsteps, it seems Milkman wants to make a leap as well.

Part 1 - Why do you think Milkman decided to leap off into the chasm? What was his motivation?

Part 2 - Do you think Milkman actually flew at the end of the story? Or perhaps you think it was a figurative flight? Explain your answer.

Part 3 - What do you think happens to Guitar after this scene? What does he do when he can not kill Milkman as he planned?

Essay Topic 2

Gold seems to be the thing on many of the men's minds in this book. But while they are all unsuccessful, they still seem to long for that which they can not have.

Part 1 - Describe Macon's search for the gold in the story. What are his motivations for getting the gold?

Part 2 - Describe Milkman's quest for the gold in the story. What are his motivations?

Part 3 - Describe Guitar's quest for the gold. What are his motivations? What does it cause him to do? Why do you think he resorted to violence?

Essay Topic 3

The women in this story seem to be quite different, especially those in Milkman's life. Through his interactions with women, he becomes the man he grows up to be.

Part 1 - Describe the relationship between Milkman and Ruth.

Part 2 - Describe the relationship between Milkman and Pilate

Part 3 - Of these two relationships, which one seems to affect Milkman the most?

Part 4 - What is the relationship between the two women? Does this affect Milkman?

(see the answer keys)

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