Alice Walker famously portrayed the experiences of Black Americans, in this case in the segregation-era South. How are the social injustices of that era reflected in the setting, character dynamics, and tone of the story?

Analyze the gender dynamics in the story. How does gender influence the relationships and roles of the characters? Do these roles still influence American culture today?

What does the story have to say about success and failure? Consider the tone change from childhood to adulthood and the narrator’s interpretation of success and failure of the revivals.