1. A psychological aberration is a person who is called a sociopath. A very loose definition would be someone unconcerned with the consequences of his/her actions on others and who rationalize their actions. Who seems to have sociopathic tendencies as shown in chapter 10 and why do you say that?

2. What might have changed the course of Laura's life if Essie had thrown the knife away when Chicken-Crow-For-Day throws away his weapons in Chapter 12?

3. The theme of greed is woven throughout the entire book. How is the theme is clearly introduced in Chapter 9?

4. How is the title of Chapter 34 related to the New Testament?

5. Do you believe Buddy really is upset that Essie does seem to believe his conversion is sincere?

6. 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?

7. Do you think Essie is turning a blind eye to Laura giving out "lucky texts" from the pulpit, or do you think she really believes Laura is just trying to give the congregation hope?

8. What two things are mentioned that have already been mentioned in previous chapters and what might be the significance of their being mentioned again?

9. In Chapter 20, Laura gives some details about her early childhood; in what way is Laura the same as her mother?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 12, "Dyed in the Wool" is a very significant theme in this novel. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research and explain the phrase "dyed in the wool." Where did it come from? What century? What was its original meaning? What has it come to mean now as an aphorism?

2. How does this phrase describe Essie at the beginning of the book? Is it still applicable to her at the end? Explain with examples.

3. How does this phrase describe Laura at the beginning of the book? Is it still applicable to her at the end? Explain with examples.

4. How can the phrase "dyed in the wool" be either a positive characteristic of someone or a negative? Give a couple examples from your own life.

Essay Topic 2

Chapter 15, "Enter Marty" introduces a new dimension to Essie and Laura's ministry. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Does it surprise you that a white man is the power behind "the throne" in Harlem in this time period? Explain. Explain the term "the throne" and the irony involved.

2. Why do you think the "Negroes" (the term for Blacks in that era) put up with a white man running the show on their turf? Do you think they eventually change that?

3. Who do you think runs the "throne" in Harlem now? Is the power in white or black hands or both? Or some other?

Essay Topic 3

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the environment of Harlem during this era. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What was Harlem? Who settled it originally and when did it become a predominantly African American borough?

2. How does Harlem of today differ from the Harlem at the time of the novel? How do you think this novel would be different if set in modern-day Harlem?

3. How does the setting of Harlem inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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