Walker is frequently regarded as a black feminist author. Does this narrative convey a feminist message? If it does, how might this message differ if it were penned by a white feminist author?

Dee and Maggie appear to be as different as night and day. Do either of them share any character traits with their mother? If so, what are these traits? Which traits do they not share with her?

Reflect on Walker's depiction of poverty in the story. Are there regions in the country where people still live under similar conditions today? Where are these places, and who resides there?