Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

Part one:
Please respond to ONE of the following writing prompts. Book Giovannis room by James Baldwin

1. How would you describe what David learns from his father and Aunt Ellen about being a man in Part I? How does this relate to his social interaction with the men in Paris (Name characters and give page numbers for examples.).

2. How would you describe the women in Part I. Be sure to include Ellen, Hella, and the caretaker and highlight their differences? 

3. It is significant at this point that both Giovanni and David are foreigners in Paris. Rather than speaking from a national perspective, Giovanni speaks through a "European" Old World lens. What are the defining characteristics of Americans at this point in the novel and according to whom? Be sure to include examples and page numbers.  Be sure to use textual evidence.

Part 2:
In Part II we learn a number of aspects of David's and Giovanni's characters, but remember we see these aspects from David's perspective, not Giovanni's. Please respond to one of the following.

1. David and Giovanni have many discussions about Hella. How would you describe the difference between the two men's stated gender expectations for women, and how would you then describe/ explain David's interaction with Sue? Is David consistent do you think?

2. What does Part II indicate about Hella's and Sue's expectations of the female gender role, and do these expectations differ from Giovanni's and David's descriptions of the female role? 

3. What do you consider the primary stressor in David's and Giovanni's relationship? Do you think it is simply that homosexuality is not accepted in the US and is not fully accepted even in Paris, or do you think there is more?

Be sure to include examples and page numbers.  Be sure to use textual evidence