Good Links

The Mississippi Writers Page

His Biography

Novels:

Native Son

Black Boy

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the theme of the story?
2. How does American culture define manhood, or what a man is or should be?
3. Describe Dave. How does your description of Dave fit the title (or does it)?
4. Does he become a man when he buys the gun? When he shoots the mule? When he leaves?
5. What does the mule symbolize?
6. What does the gun symbolize?
7. Does Dave's character show growth? Why or why not?
8. What to you think happens to Dave when he gets to the city?
9. Approach this story from an Existential Theme. Consider these concepts of existential thinking:
   1. creating a self
   2. an individual's actions
   3. society's imprint on and individual

Explain how existentialism represents Dave's character.