On The Road Group Discussion Points

“On the Road” Group Discussion Points

Name

Answer all the questions under your assigned group.

Date

Group 1: Focus on the different types of imagery used in the story • • •

What images are repeated and why? What effect does the use of imagery have on our reading? How would the story be different if Hughes chose not to incorporate as many types of imagery as he did?

Group 2: The significance/symbolism of snow • • •

What might the snow symbolize? (Consider the historical context here) What is Sargeant’s relationship to the snow? Does it help or oppress him? Consider why Sargeant can’t see the snow in the beginning of the story even though he is being covered by it.

Group 3: The role of religion • • •

Hughes’ attitude toward religion; is it a positive or negative one? Consider the church falling down and Christ being detached from the cross; what are we to make of these startling images? The attitude of religious figures in the story toward Sargeant

Group 4: The role of Christ and connections between Sargeant and Christ • • • •

What sorts of parallels exist between the two characters? What was Hughes’ purpose in having the characters walk side by side? Christ’s attitude toward religion (Consider historical context/attitude about being off the cross) What is Hughes’ attitude toward Christ? Sargeant’s?

Group 5: Repeated images of breaking things down • •

What does Sargeant break down/intend to break down in the story? What do you suppose he is really trying to break down?

Group 6: Hughes’ attitude toward society • •

Consider the last lines Sargeant speaks in the story What is Hughes trying to get across to his readers? (Consider historical context)