The stories may be read in any order. An analysis of each one should be done in classroom discussion. Students should be able to discuss theme, character, setting, point of view, and any additional elements of the short story featured. Before an overall discussion of the role of women characters in black and white writings, all students should have read all stories presented in the narration. Teachers should feel free to substitute or add stories.
Sample questions and topics of discussion that emphasize a comparative study:
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1. Based on the reading of the stories presented in this course of study what roles in society do black and white female characters share?
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2. “Livvie” is the story of a black woman written by Eudora Welty, a white woman. How accurate is her portrayal? Could Livvie be a white woman? Explain.
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3. What relationship between black women and white women is revealed in the works of Gwendolyn Brooks and Alice Childress. How complete and accurate is the portrayal of this relationship?
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4. Examine carefully the names of the male characters in each of the stories presented (those that have male characters.) How are their names suited to their function in the story.
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Joe Dagget
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Time
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Manley Pointer
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Delphin
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Mr. Gouvernail
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Arnold Friend
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Cash
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White Rat
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Solomon
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5. Compare the role of religious symbolism in “The Grave” and “Tell Martha Not to Moan.”
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6. How might the outcomes of “Livvie,” “White Rat,” and “The Gilded Six-Bits” been different if written by a male. What do the given outcomes suggest about a woman’s perception of the problem of infidelity.
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7. What devices are employed by each female protagonist to control the situation. How do these devices differ from those that a male character might use if placed in an equivalent situation?
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8. In what ways are the female protagonists of white women writers protected or hindered by their environment? Compare this with that of black women writers.
