How does racial discrimination affect Josiah and Ezra and their opportunities in the text? Analyze how deeply embedded racism is in this society, even during a natural disaster in which people are supposed to be unified.

How does working with Zach change Seth’s perspective on his future? What does this say about his development as a carpenter and as an adult? Compare and contrast these two characters.

Consider the character of Papa. Is Papa a dynamic character? How does he change over the course of the novel? What might this say about the natural tragedy that occurs and his role in relation to Seth?