Prologue, “Been.” How does this section introduce and develop the book’s exploration of the layers of meaning in words and language?

The references to “been” and “bend”; the different meanings associated with “weight” and “heaviness”; the references to different experiences of being black; and the delay in identifying “you” as the author’s mother all are initial examples of how the author uses words; their different literal meanings; and their different implied meanings to create and shape HIS meaning.

Part One, “Boy Man” - Section One. What are the metaphoric values associated with the references to going into “the deep end” (22)?

Going into the deep end of a swimming pool is risky and dangerous unless the person going in has experience: the author does not have experience, therefore going into “the deep end” of sexuality is risky and dangerous. This is also true of Layla, who...