Principles are great to have—but they can also make your life really uncomfortable sometimes, especially if those around you don't share them. In hush, Daddy's principles, his beliefs in what's right and what's wrong, lead him to testify against the white officers who killed Raymond Taylor. In turn, his decision to testify puts his family in witness protection, which is a very uncomfortable situation for all of them. Which leaves us with one big question: Was it worth it? We'll let you decide—we think you can totally argue this one either way.
Questions About Principles
- What principles does Daddy hold most dear? What are the principles that lead him to testify?
- Do the rest of the family members share Daddy's principles? How do you know?
- Imagine asking each member of the family if Daddy testifying was worth it at the end of the novel. How would each person respond?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Daddy did the right thing by testifying against the officers who killed Raymond Taylor.
Daddy did the wrong thing by testifying against the officers who killed Raymond Taylor.