Characters & Relationships
Who is Eva Peace's only surviving daughter?
Pearl
Who dies in 1922
Hannah Peace
What does Eva’s missing leg symbolize?
Her sacrifices and struggles to survive
What town does the novel take place in?
Medallion and the neighborhood within it called the Bottom
Mamma, did you ever love us?"
Hannah asks Eva
Who was burned alive by Eva?
Plum Peace
What was Hannah doing right before she caught fire?
Bending to light the yard fire
What does Plum’s death represent?
Eva’s control and tough love, as well as mercy killing
Why is “The Bottom” given that name?
A white farmer tricked a slave into believing hilly land was the best land (the "bottom of heaven")
What does Eva mean when she tells Plum she “had to” do it?
She believed killing him was an act of mercy
How does Sula react when Hannah catches on fire?
She watches without reacting
How does Plum die?
Eva sets him on fire while he sleeps
Why is Hannah’s question about love significant?
It suggests Eva may have been more protective than affectionate
What role do the townspeople play in these chapters?
They gossip but also respond when there’s danger
What does Hannah say that makes Eva upset before she dies?
She asks if Eva ever loved her
Who are the men that live in Eva's house and are cared for by her?
The Deweys
What does Hannah ask Eva that upsets her before she dies?
She asks if Eva ever loved her
What is ironic about Hannah’s death?
She often played with fire, but ultimately died in it
How does gender affect Eva’s decisions?
She raises her children alone and must be tough like a man
How does Eva react to Sula watching Hannah burn?
She is horrified and confused by Sula’s lack of emotion
Why does Eva favor Plum over Hannah?
She feels guilty for his suffering after the war and his addiction
What does fire symbolize in these chapters?
Death, cleansing, and transformation
How do these chapters reflect the idea of generational trauma?
Eva’s harshness towards Plum and Hannah reflects how pain is passed down
How does Eva’s house reflect her personality?
Chaotic, full of people, and built out of survival
Why does Morrison include so much fire imagery?
To show destruction, transformation, and emotional intensity