Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why is the book in three parts? What do their titles (and the chapter titles) have to do with the content?
- How is sex portrayed in the novel? What is it about sex that brings the characters down or holds them back? Is there ever any positive view of sex?
- What is the importance of music in the novel?
- How does the use of all those biblical references affect your experience as a reader?
- Which character do you identify with the most? Why?
- What's the deal with John and Elisha? What kind of relationship do they have? What kind do you think they each want?
- The novel stretches back to the emancipation of the slaves in the south, through Florence's memories of her mother's stories. How does that link back in time connect to the novel's present?
- How does Harlem contrast with the rest of New York in the novel?
- Why can't Gabriel accept John anymore? What changed between the time that he met him and married Elizabeth and now?
- How does religion organize the characters' lives?