Review Questions: Chapter 24

1.      At the opening of this chapter, Eppie awakes in her jail cell and for a moment does not know where she is.  What does she see that reminds her of her location?  How is this scene reminiscent of another episode earlier in the story in which a character wakes up, does not recognize her surroundings, then sees a similar object which she takes as an indication of her location?  Are the similarities of these objects of any symbolic significance?

2.      Billy justifies his actions by saying that he "fight[s] for all people to be able to do all things," and that "it doesn't matter what rules the man lays down, I'm against 'em."  What do you think of his reasoning?  Do you believe that his goals are worthy?  Do you believe his actions in pursuit of these goals are justified?  To what extent do you think Eppie agrees or disagrees with him?  Why?

3.      Why does Billy refuse to eat any food that is served to him in jail?  What change occurs in Eppie's behavior after Billy explains to her his reasons for fasting?  What does this change in behavior suggest about the effect, if any, that Billy may be having on her?  How might this effect differ from the influence that other characters in the story may be having on her (e.g., Father Andrew, Shelley, Rachel, etc.)?