Questions Covering the Whole Novel


Questions Covering the Whole Novel

  1. To what extent do you think this story is a coming of age story? Cite incidents from the story to support your answer.
  2. Critics believe that many of the incidents in this novel are examples of satire designed to ridicule specific groups. List two groups Carter satirizes in this story. Why do you think he wants to make fun of these groups?
  3. One definition of legend is that a legend is an improbable, traditional story or folk tale. To what extent do you think the incidents in this story are believable? Despite the publisher’s claim that this is an autobiography, what evidence is there that part or this entire novel is based on folk tales or legends?
  4. An episodic novel is one that is made up of a succession of loosely connected incidents rather than an integrated plot. Discuss whether or not you think this novel qualifies as an episodic novel.
  5. Why do you think the author ends the story with Blue Boy’s death? What might the mountain represent in this story?
  6. Why do you think Carter writes this story using dialect? Consider the ways the dialect adds interest, humor, and helps to highlight the differences between mountain people and people who live in settlements.
  7. Some critics argue that The Education of Little Tree shows Indians how white society wants to view them. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Cite incidents or passages from the story to support your answer.