Jazz Moon (34 page)

1.
Ben engages in a number of intimate/romantic relationships over the course of the novel. Is there a common thread that runs through these relationships? Is there any kind of progression? How do his emotional needs and his perspectives on relationships change over time?

2.
How do art/creativity influence or shape the events in the novel?

3.
How is Ben's move from Dogwood to New York similar to his move from New York to Paris? How is it different?

4.
How is nightlife in Paris different from nightlife in Harlem? How is it similar?

5.
The racism that Ben encounters in France differs greatly from the racism he encounters in the United States. In what ways does French racism manifest itself?

6.
What makes Harlem a good place to be? What makes it a not-so-good place to be?

7.
What role does sex play in the story and how does it shape the story's events?

8.
After the breakup with Baby Back, Ben spends a great deal of time in the “shadows.” How does it hurt him? How does it help him?

9.
What influence do women have on the events in this story?

10.
In what ways does the voyage on the
Bonaparte
prepare Ben for Paris? How does the voyage shape his expectations of Paris and how does it affect his relationship with Baby Back?

11.
What is the significance of color—racial and otherwise—in the novel?