AENG 240 Disscussion question

1) In chapters assigned for today’s discussion, we can see several moments when the concept of “right” is mentioned by black characters, such as Josh Green (Ch. 12) and Julia (Ch. 14). Briefly explain what “right” they claim for in what situation and analyze how their “rights” are represented in the interaction with other characters. How do these black characters foreground the complexity of the general concept we have about one’s “right”? Why are their concepts and experiences important for this novel?

2) In Chapter 13, we have a glimpse of the custom called “cakewalk.” Learn about this custom through the supplementary material provided on Blackboard or your own research and then analyze what role this “spectacle” plays in this particular novel. You may want to pay close attention to the purpose of cakewalk and what happens to Sandy as the result, along with what happens to Tom Delamere in Chapter 17. How do these characters resonate with each other by showing both similarities and differences? What do their circumstances tell about the way in which a social community is formed?

3) While reading further developments of the plot lines, you can also go back to the discussions established last week. Feel free to take over questions regarding the way of making history, inter-/intra-racial relationships, the concept of law, the status of “gentleman,” or the formation of the public opinion to pursue your own focus in the novel. You can go back to previous sections, as long as you do not replicate your discussion post from last week, but I also highly encourage you to add new details from today’s chapters. For example, you can find a new perspective on William Miller’s relationship with Josh Green or Mrs. Ochiltree with Julia, while the concept of “law” can be expanded onto the criminality imposed on the whole race vs. on an individual.