Slave on the Block

Compare and contrast Mattie and Luther. What accounts for their different approaches to accommodating the Carraways and their ultimate responses to the Carraways’ demands?

Describe Luther’s evolution as a character. What event(s) spur his change?

Why does Mrs. Carraway (Michael’s mother) scream after Luther enters the room with no shirt and asks when she’s leaving? What does their interaction reveal about the period’s racial and gender norms and how they were changing?

Research the historical figures in Paragraph 2 and the place names in Paragraph 32. Consider the Carraways’ familiarity with these figures and their desire to recast these modern places through the lens of slavery and art. What does this reveal about their ideas on race and Black identity?

Are the Carraways racists, or are they merely clueless about how their interactions rub their employees the wrong way—or both? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Based on her final words in the story, Anne doesn’t understand why Luther and Mattie are angry and weary because of their interactions with the Carraways. What prevents Anne from seeing their point of view?

Discuss the role of irony in the story.

Identify and discuss the impact of at least one symbol in the story.