Do you feel that given the tenuous relationship he has with Celestial-who is still legally his wife-he is cheating? Why or why not? And when Roy announces to Davina his intention to return to his wife, do you feel that her anger is justified?ĩ) Roy is hurt when Celestial, in discussing her career as an artist, doesn’t mention him or the role he played in giving her the encouragement and freedom to follow her dreams, but Walter argues that she is justified in her silence. Do you feel she had the authority to make that decision? And do you feel she was right in making that decision?Ĩ) When Roy is released from prison, he first goes to his childhood home and almost immediately makes a connection with Davina. Do you feel these men deserve equal credit? If not, which was the more important figure in Roy’s life and why?ħ)ěig Roy explains that he and Olive never had children of their own because Olive feared that he would not love Roy as much if he had his “own” children. Do you agree? Why or why not?Ħ) There are two father figures in Roy’s life: Big Roy is the one who shepherded him into adulthood and helped him grow into a responsible, capable person, but Walter is the one who taught Roy how to survive. How did you picture this woman? What difference does the race of this woman make in the way you understand the novel’s storyline?ĥ)Ěndre insists that he doesn’t owe Roy an apology for the way his relationship with Celestial changed. Do you feel that his response is valid, and do you think it justifies his infidelity? Do you believe that he would have remained faithful if Celestial had been the one incarcerated? Does this really matter, and if so, why?ģ) In her “Dear John” letter to Roy, Celestial says, “I will continue to support you, but not as your wife.” What do you think she means by this statement? Do you feel that Roy is wrong to reject her offer?Ĥ) You may not have noticed that Tayari Jones does not specify the race of the woman who accuses Roy of rape. Do you feel this title accurately represents the novel? Why or why not? And if you do find the title appropriate, what about the story makes it particularly “American”?Ģ) When Celestial asks Roy if he would have waited for her for more than five years, he doesn’t answer her question but reminds her that, as a woman, she would not have been imprisoned in the first place. 1) The title of this novel is An American Marriage.

An american marriage