Character Relationships
What is the relationship between Troy and Cory?
Father and Son
Is this the strongest relationship?
What is the importance of music?
To bring people together / Happiness / Evokes thoughts and emotions
Since music often brings people together, can it also divide people?
"Death ain't nothin but a fastball on the outside corner."
Metaphor
Why does the author use this device?
Who do you think the Tragic hero is?
Troy
What makes you think he's the tragic hero?
How does Troy's experience with racial discrimination compare to people in today's society.
Unequal opportunities / Inability to succeed
What are other forms of discrimination that lead to similar outcomes?
Which relationship is being torn apart by adultery?
Troy and Rose
Is it more important to forgive someone you love after their infidelity or do what's best for you?
This character uses tough love as a form of PROTECTION.
Troy
Why do you think he was tough on the ones he loves?
"My daddy ain't had the waking blues! ... but he was just as evil as he could be."
Flashback
Why does the author use this device?
What was the tragic hero's fall?
Their stubbornness and lack of empathy
Do these traits best define a tragic hero according to Aristotle?
What other tragic hero in literature had similar traits, like Troy, that caused downfalls in their family?
Oedipus
What are the similarities and differences of Troy and Oedipus?
This relationship grew into a mother-and-daughter bond...
Rose and Raynell
What defines a mother?
What was the main setback for Troy's baseball career in the 1950's?
Racism / Discrimination
How does racism affect Troy's opinion on Cory's football career.
"Jesus be a fence around me everyday.
Jesus I want you to protect me as I travel on my way.
Jesus be a fence around me everyday."
Allusion or Symbolism
Why does the author use this device?
In what ways does the tragic hero relate to the Tragedy and the Common Man?
The tragic hero was a garbage man and part of a lower class.
Why would the author choose a common man as a tragic hero?
How did stories similar to Troy's act as a catalyst that lead to the greater Civil Rights Movement?
How were these actions shown in both the book and U.S. history?