Spunk

Spunk and Joe are foil characters, not just for their actions and attitudes, but physically as well. Compare and contrast the physical descriptions of each character, including clothing, body language, and more. How do their physical attributes interact with their other, intangible qualities?

Hurston divides “Spunk” into four short, numbered sections or scenes. What happens in the gaps between these scenes? Why might Hurston have structured the story as she did, leaving most of the action to happen “off-screen?”

Walter and Elijah essentially act as dual narrators of the story, both relating events and offering commentary. They disagree on several points. Identify at least one point of disagreement between them, then examine the attitudes and beliefs that lead to the disagreement. Does Hurston guide readers to accept one side or the other? How so?