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gods
of alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
Discussion
Questions
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1.
Who or what are the gods that the title refers to? Who are the gods in
your hometown, workplace, or culture?
2. Arlene finds an imperfect but workable way to live around her
family's deeply ingrained racism while maintaining the two most
important relationships in her life. How satisfying is this compromise?
Is it fair to Burr? To Florence? Should Arlene have asked for and
expected more?
3. In what ways does Arlene's "deal with God" allow her
to protect herself? How much of it is true penance and how much is a
defense mechanism?
4. Arlene has painted a picture of Clarice as beautiful, pure,
passive, and wholesome. How does idealizing Clarice influence Arlene's
own behavior and sexuality?
5. Arlene's biological mother is almost a non-person in the book,
and Arlene has surrounded herself with replacement mothers. Who are
these replacements, and what aspects of mothering does she get from each
of them?
6. The women in this novel generally tend to overpower the men,
whether in conversation, romance, or physical altercations. Is this
indicative of Southern society in general? What point might the author
be making about gender relations in an outwardly traditional society?
7. The main character in this book is alternately known as Arlene
and Lena. What are the distinguishing characteristics of Arlene? Of
Lena? How do you think she would identify herself? By the end of the
book, had she changed in your mind from one to the other, or had the two
been integrated?
8. Arlene has clearly rehearsed a confession for years and years.
How do you think her commitment to this retelling of the events of the
past has shaped her current course of action?
9. Who is Jim Beverly? How do you reconcile the
"pure-hearted, sole good man" Rose Mae Lolley has ever known
with the scoundrel on Lipsmack Hill that fateful night?
10. What role does the Southern locale play in the novel? Could
such a story take place in another region? Why or why not?
11. Forgiveness and atonement are two of the major themes in this
novel. Who do you believe has done the most genuine atoning in this
story? Who has the biggest sin to forgive?
12. Arlene baldly states that she is a game player, and she plays
both literal and metaphorical games with Burr and the other characters
throughout the novel. She is also, on some level, playing a game with
the reader. How did you react to this? Do you think she played
"fair"?
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