Study Questions

1. Why does Grandfather Burden become a deacon of the church?

2. What became Jim’s “compensation” for his lost freedom?

3. How did Ambrosch Shimerda take advantage of Antonia’s reputation as a hard worker?

4. Why does Jim consider Frances Harling so important?

5. Why doesn’t Antonia want to give all of her allowance to Ambrosch?

6. Why did Mr. Harling take Mrs. Harling away to their room on the west wing?

7. What is the significance of the traveling salesmen?

8. What is the significance of the altercation between Lena Lingard and Crazy Mary?

9. How are Antonia and Mrs. Harling similar?

10. What is the significance of the blind slave that becomes a pianist?

Answers

1. It establishes his involvement in the community.

2. Jim can see the river from the house.

3. Ambrosch hired her out to other farms.

4. Jim considers her important because of her independence as a woman.

5. Antonia wants clothes and pocket money.

6. They go there to discuss business.

7. The appearance of the salesmen emphasizes the idea of movement and change.

8. It shows that Lena is becoming a woman.

9. They are both strong and independent and don’t try to imitate other people.

10. It serves as a metaphor: one must grope through the darkness to find one’s desires.