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 2

The attempt to fly is just one of the ways Morrison symbolizes the characters' need to escape from their conditions.

Part 1 - Describe the opening scene with Robert Smith and why he decided he wanted to fly away.

Part 2 - What is the significance of the story of Solomon the Flying Man? What does it mean for the rest of the characters?

Part 3 - Why do you think Milkman decides to fly as well at the end of the story? Is it a sign that he has given up or is it a sign of strength? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The songs in this book are powerful points in the story and they relay different ways the characters feel about each other and the different ways the characters are connected.

Part 1 - Give three examples of the way song is used in this novel (besides the title).

Part 2 - Describe what each of these examples of song seem to say about those who are singing and about those who are sung to.

Part 3 - Obviously, the title is an example of song as well, but why do you think this title was chosen? What is its significance? Is it a strong title? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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