What is Papa's motivation for joining the union?

Discuss the role of the forest throughout this story.

Describe the tension between the Logan children and Jeremy Simms.

Why is Cassie hostile toward Suzella, aside from the reasons she states?

Discuss the different obstacles that face Stacey and Cassie as they come of age. How do these obstacles differ?

How do the events in the story affect Mama and Papa's relationship? More specifically, what strains their relationship, and what makes it stronger?

What are Stacey's motivations for running away and getting a job in the cane fields?

Why does Suzella pretend to be white when she encounters Stuart? Why does he react the way he does when he discovers the truth?

Explain the practice of sharecropping. How does it differ from slavery? What are the similarities?