Out of the Easy

In Chapter 56, Evangeline tells Josie that she is a lot like Willie. Compare Josie and Willie. How are their personalities, backgrounds, actions, etc., similar and different? Would you draw the same conclusion as Evangeline? Why or why not? Why do you think Josie disagrees with her?

Explain the significance of books and reading in Josie’s life. How does reading help Josie navigate her world? How does it hinder her?

Josie’s parental figures in the novel include Willie, Charlie, and Cokie. Using examples from the text, analyze how they each take care of Josie and what she gains from them.

How are the lives of prostitutes portrayed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of their lives? Think specifically about their role in society, their living arrangements, their pay, etc.

What was the French Quarter like in the 1950s? Consider the local politics, cuisine, music, social mores, etc. Compare these attributes found in your research to depictions in the novel, using passages to support your findings.

Write an epilogue for Out of the Easy that details Josie’s future. Will she get into Smith? Will she stay with Jesse? What type of work will she pursue? Think about these questions and more, and base your predictions on what you know from the text.

How have you made decisions to define your life? How have you fought against your past, background, or similar obstacles, the way that Josie does?

Is Willie a kind person? How does she treat those around her? What do her actions say about her character? Use the text to support your argument.