The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

by Carson McCullers

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The novel is set during World War II, which began in Europe, although the United States did not join the conflict until about a year and a half later. Consider how the war impacted racial dynamics in the Southern United States: did conditions improve or deteriorate? Did the war have any influence on the racial situation?

Imagine what music would have been playing on the jukebox at the New York Cafe. Investigate which songs were hits from 1938 to 1940 and create a playlist that fits the novel's setting.

Based on the novel's descriptions, sketch a layout of the Kelly house, indicating where each character's room is located.

Look into current laws designed to prevent the kind of abuses that resulted in Willy losing his feet. What legal options would he have today? To whom would he present his case? Which authorities would be tasked with penalizing the wrongdoers?

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