God Help the Child Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Colorism and our BookBrowse Review of God Help the Child.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Introduction

"Nobel laureate Morrison explores characteristic themes of people held captive by inner struggles; the delusion of racism; violence and redemption. Her literary craftsmanship endures with sparse language, precise imagery, and even humor. This haunting novel displays a profound understanding of American culture and an unwavering sense of justice and forgiveness." - Publishers Weekly

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Morrison opens God Help the Child with a character insisting, "It's not my fault. So you can't blame me." How does this set up what follows?
   


2. Multiple themes weave through the novel: childhood trauma, racism, skin color, social class, freedom. What would you say is the primary theme, and why?
   


3. Kirkus Reviews said of the book, "As in the darkest fairy tales, there will be fire and death." In what other ways is God Help the Child like a fairy tale?
   

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Vintage. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.