Define capital punishment. Explore its historical evolution from ancient times. Examine the reforms that have been enacted over the years to reduce or abolish the use of capital punishment.

Investigate capital punishment. Formulate an argument either in support of or against it. Be prepared to defend your stance in a classroom debate.

Critics often call Gaines a master storyteller. He attributes his storytelling skills to the tales shared by others during his childhood, which he has adapted. In other words, the "oral tradition" significantly influences his writing. Discuss the importance of this tradition in various cultures and explain the different purposes it serves for diverse communities.

Although the story is set in the late 1940s, racism is still prevalent in the small town of Bayonne. Trace the history of the Civil Rights movement. Connect your findings to the fictional events depicted in the story.