"On the Coming of John" - Analysis Questions

What is the main theme of "On the Coming of John"?

• The importance of education in achieving equality.

• The struggle for civil rights in the Jim Crow South.

• The destructive nature of internalized racism.

• The power of community and solidarity.

What is the significance of the title "On the Coming of John"?

• It refers to the arrival of a new leader in the African American community.

• It symbolizes the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

• It represents the hope for a brighter future for African Americans.

• It alludes the the Biblical story of John the Baptist and the coming of a messiah.

What is the significance of John's education in the story?

• It allows him to escape poverty and achieve success.

• It makes him acutely aware of the injustices of the Jim Crow South.

• It causes him to become disillusioned with his community and his race.

• It reinforces his belief in the superiority of white culture.

What is the role of education in "On the Coming of John"?

•  It is seen as the key to achieving equality and overcoming racism

•  It is portrayed as a tool of oppression used by white authorities

• It is seen as a means of assimilation into white society

• It is portrayed as irrelevant to the struggle for civil rights

What is the meaning of the character of John's mother in the story?

• She represents the strength and resilience of African American women

• She symbolizes the passivity and acceptance of African American women

• She embodies the destructive nature of internalized racism

• She reinforces the idea that education is the key to success

What is the significance of John's relationship with his white employer?

• It symbolizes the power dynamic between white and black in the Jim Crow South

• It represents John's desire for acceptance into white society

• It reflects the ambiguous nature of racial identity in the story

• It highlights the danger of interracial relationships in the Jim Crow South

What is the message conveyed by the character of Tom, John's friend from childhood?

• The danger of succumbing to internalized racism.

• The importance of community and solidarity in the struggle for civil rights.

• The need for education and self-improvement in achieving equality.

• The inevitability of violence in the fight for racial justice.

What is the meaning of the ending of "Of the Coming of John"?

• It represents John's rejection of his community and his race.

• It symbolizes the hopelessness of the struggle for racial equality.

• It suggests the possibility of redemption and reconciliation between John and his community.

• It reinforces the idea that education is the only path to success and equality.

What is the significance of John's decision to leave his community and move north?

• It represents a rejection of his racial identity and heritage.

• It symbolizes the failure of the struggle for civil rights in the Jim Crow South.

• It highlights the limitations of education in achieving equality.

• It reflects the hope for a better future and the possibility of escape from racism and oppression.

What is the overall message of "On the Coming of John"?

• The importance of education and self-improvement in achieving racial equality.

• The need for community and solidarity in the struggle for civil rights.

• The failure of the struggle for civil rights in the Jim Crow South.