Main Character
When did Ruth arrive in the United States? (Age)
2 years old
What was James confused about during his life?
His identity
What is the falling action?
Ruth's conversion to Christianity; James's search for racial identity
What is the biggest issue of the story?
race and opression
Who is Ruth to James?
His mother
What age did Ruth’s brother leave?
15
What college did James get admitted to?
Oberlin College
What is the theme?
Past versus present; exclusion as a result of racial or religious difference; self-motivation and self-reliance;
What did James abuse?
Drugs
James learns the importance of?
Self worth
Who did Ruth marry?
Dennis
Who is the protagonist in this story?
Ruth and James
Why did Ruth leave?
To escape her oppressive community.
What James focus on?
Jazz music and God.
What was the name of Ruth’s second husband?
Hunter Jordan
How many children did Ruth have ?
8
What is the rising action of this book?
Ruth's separation from her parents. Ruth's marriage to Dennis. James's confrontation with race relations in society in the 1960s.
Where did Ruth meet Dennis?
Harlem
How did Jamee learn about the racism in his community?
He noticed the segregation, and setbacks he faced in his life.
What religion did Ruth convert to?
Christianity
How many children did Ruth have with her second husband?
4
What is the climax?
Ruth and her son James confront issues of racial identity and difference
Where did Ruth move after she divorced her first husband?
New York
What James do with his story and his mothers?
He weaves his own life story with his mothers
What Ruth and her husband open together?
A church