Research the Native American Chickasaw tribe to identify their original tribal territories. What events transpired with the Chickasaws? Does a tribal community still exist in that region today?

Investigate the history of your town or city to uncover what existed before the current community was established. Was it a wilderness? Were there any indigenous tribes inhabiting the area? Who were the first settlers?

Study the wildlife of Mississippi to determine the species of bear that Old Ben represents. Compare the typical traits of bears in this region with Old Ben's behavior. Is Faulkner's depiction accurate?

Read about the lives of slaves who were emancipated during the Civil War. What challenges did they encounter in their new lives? What did "freedom" entail for them?