Winter’s relationship to her father, Santiaga, is different than her relationships to anyone else in the novel. Describe the nature of their relationship. In what ways is it different? How does their relationship affect her character?

Winter and Sister Souljah can be described as antithetical characters. How do these characters differ? What commentary is made by these differences?

Respect is a constant theme that is repeated throughout the novel. Pick three characters and demonstrate how each character defines respect. What are the implications for these different views of respect?