1. There are two things that Essie mentions that foreshadow future events. Name two possible things that foreshadow future events and what you think they might foreshadow.

2. When Essie says she does not want to buy the Bible with gambling money, Laura accuses her of being too holy and too self righteous; from what do you think this accusation stems?

3. What truth do you think Birdie Lee might reveal in the future as foreshadowed in Chapter 19?

4. At the beginning of Chapter 1, how are the two women described and what might be construed by these descriptions?

5. What do you think is the significance of the title of Chapter 17, "Lights Out"?

6. How is the title of Chapter 28, "Cross to Bear" relevant to Buddy and Laura's relationship?

7. How would you summarize the most overarching theme of this book?

8. What do you think is the significance of the title, "Judas in Scarlett"?

9. What does Laura suggest near the end of chapter eight that seems to set the dynamics of how Essie and Laura participate in the "church" and what do you think might be the consequences?

10. What do you think the reason is for Essie's pauses, the first of which we see in Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel is replete with symbolism, especially religious symbolism of a Judea-Christian origin. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Describe all the symbolism around the River of Jordan, its relation to Christianity, its meaning to Blacks as originated with those in slavery in the United States, and how it is used in this novel.

2. Discuss the symbolic meanings of Tambourines in the novel, giving specific examples. How are Tambourines both a symbol of spirituality and materialism? Why do you think the author names the novel TAMBOURINES TO GLORY?

3. Discuss the idea of ascension and how it is symbolized in the novel. How does the idea of ascension differ depending on the character?

Essay Topic 2

This book was written during a literary movement called the "Harlem Renaissance." It is an important movement in the United States, not just in literature, but in many other areas. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the movement known as the "Harlem Renaissance" (also known as the Black Literary Renaissance and the New Negro Movement) and give a synopsis of what it is and what areas it encompassed.

2. How does this movement impact the lives of African-Americans at this time? Of other Blacks in other countries? Of Whites?

3. Discuss some of the accomplishments of this movement in the literary field and in at least three other areas of the social/political environment.

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 17, "Lights Out" is significant in that it is where Laura begins to make choices that set her on the path that leads out of the Garden of Eden. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How is the title of this chapter symbolic of where Laura is in her life by the end of this chapter?

2. What are some actions Laura takes that show her descent into darkness? Could she have avoided them or was she already too far into the grips of greed and addictions?

3. What do you think Marty would have done if Laura had changed her mind at any point in the book and chosen a path of greater integrity for her role in the church?

4. How do you think Marty responds to Laura's absence from the church and his source of funds being dried up? Do you think Essie has a fight on her hands?

(see the answer keys)

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