One Foot in Eden

Describe the relationship between the Widow and Amy. Why does Amy try to convince herself and the Widow that she is not superstitious? What ulterior motives might the Widow have for giving Amy the advice that incites the circumstances leading to Holland’s murder?

Compare and contrast the various flavors of violence that are featured in the novel. Does Holland’s form of violence in the Korean War differ from Billy’s violence? Provide specific examples to support your analysis.

Analyze Rash’s implied connection between religious beliefs and supernatural superstitions. How does the community of Jocassee conflate concepts of God with specific superstitions, and how do such beliefs affect their lives?

Why does Will allow Billy to get away with the murder even though he knows that Billy is guilty? Provide textual examples to support your interpretation.

How does Rash complicate the motivations of Billy and Amy to blur the lines between right and wrong?

Why does Mrs. Winchester burn herself and her house rather than leaving Jocassee, and why does she saddle Isaac with the responsibility of gaining justice for Holland?

What role does regret play in the novel, specifically in Will’s personal history, and how does this nuanced perspective influence his approach to law enforcement? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

Describe how the meaning of Holland’s Gold Star shifts as it changes hands from one character to another. Why does Amy hide the Gold Star on the Winchester’s property, then use it to pay the Widow? Additionally, examine the irony inherent in the fact that the Gold Star was originally awarded for an act of bravery.