Underground Railroad Book Discussion

As you read Colson Whitehead’s Underground Railroad Novel, pay attention to the themes and motifs listed below. Along with completing your SHORT RESPONSE QUESTIONS (click here if you need a copy of the assignment), for this assignment you will need to pay close attention to the themes and motifs assigned to your study group.

On the assigned book discussion day(s), your group will create a presentation about the themes and motifs listed for your group.

Each member of the group will need to have a role in the presentation! You will need to incorporate all of the following into your presentation:

  1. A list of discussion questions for the entire class to discuss as a group

    • You should have at least one question per theme/motif/concept, and you will then lead the class in the class discussion about each theme and motif

  2. Specific examples from the book (quotes, events, characters, etc)

**NOTE: You do not need to create a powerpoint/keynote for this presentation, but it helps with showing your concepts and questions for the class to see. If your group chooses to make a powerpoint, be sure to send all information to the person making the powerpoint, and you must airdrop that powerpoint to your instructor at the start of class.

General Themes & Concepts

All Groups are responsible for questions and discussion points about the following:

  1. Lumbly, a station agent, says to Cora: “If you want to see what this nation is all about, I always say, you have to ride the rails. Look outside as you speed through, and you'll find the true face of America.” Discuss the meaning of this quote and how it resonates thematically throughout this novel.

  2. Discuss Cora’s character arc through the story. How do the things she experiences change and motivate her? Choose ONE event (individually) that you think had the greatest or most detrimental impact upon Cora.

  3. What is the “American Imperative,” and how is this concept related to more than just slavery and the Underground Railroad?

  4. Compare this historical fiction to Solomon Northup’s experience in 12 Years a Slave. How does this historical fiction relate to other historical accounts of slavery? To what other events or aspects of history can you connect this story? Find specific examples.

  5. How does Colson Whitehead use a nonlinear narrative to help tell this story? What did you think of his story-telling method?

Each group must prepare their presentation about the following individual group concepts, characters, and themes:

Group 1

  • Randall Plantation

  • Fletcher

  • Lumbly

  • Family

  • Heritage

  • Valentine Farm Debate: Valentine’s Perspective

  • Individual Violence

  • Isolation

Group 2

  • South Carolina

  • Sam

  • Stevens

  • Caesar

  • Endurance

  • Valentine Farm Debate: Lander’s Perspective

  • Memory

  • Community

Group 3

  • North Carolina

  • Martin

  • Ethel

  • Rebellion

  • Brutality

  • Violation

  • Freedom Trail

  • Valentine Farm Debate: Migo’s Perspective

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Group 4

  • Tennessee

  • Ridgeway

  • Boseman

  • Homer

  • Royal

  • Home

  • Valentine Farm Debate: Ridgeway & the White Community’s Perspective

  • Societal Violence and Oppression