The Marrow of Tradition

Mammy Jane interprets little Dodie’s birthmark to indicate he will die by hanging—although she doubts herself given the infant’s race and class. Based on the events of the novel, is her prediction merely superstitious, or does it mean something more? Discuss her concern and her conjure charms in light of Dodie’s ailments.

At various points in the text, Major Carteret and McBane imply that Black people are less than human. Conversely, Josh states that he would rather die as a Black man than live as a dog. What role does animal imagery—especially canine imagery—play in the novel? What does it imply about white people’s views of their Black servants and neighbors?

At the outset of the novel, Carteret has lost his familial home to the Millers. What role do changing class dynamics play in his racism? How does he feel about his partnership with McBane? What does this say more generally about the relationship between class and race in the novel?