Discussion Guide

The chapter opens with, Randy having a pleasant, recurrent, Before-The-Day dream. What is the content of the dream? What do you think its significance is? Why was coffee so highly valued?

Why would Helen make the following statement to Randy? Everybody blesses you. What can we infer about a change in Helen when she says, I put some in another jar and took it over the Henrys ?

Take a look at the notice that was posted at the bandstand in Marines Park. How did this notice make Dr. Gunn vulnerable? Do you think Herbert Sunbury had any clue that his notice would put Dr. Gunn in danger?

Typhoid is described as the unwelcome, ______ ________ of any disaster in which the water supply was destroyed or polluted and normal disposal of human waste difficult or impossible. Why does the author use this metaphor? See bottom of 248 and top of 249 to determine the typhoid-carriers.

Dans first thought was that she had turned her ankle, his second, that she could be a decoy for an ambush. Dan decided to stop and help the woman because he was not on a road that most highwaymen would considerable profitable. Why did the highwaymen choose this particular road for a hold-up?

What is mentioned in the description of the highwayman-leader that indicates he is experienced at this type of illegal activity? (see the very bottom of p. 249) Dr. Gunn is so terribly injured that he wants to die until he notices the ants wheeling excitedly around the drying blood. Why would this make him uneasy and motivate him to survive? (p. 251)

Randy reacts to what the attackers have done by saying his intention is to Find them and kill them. Discuss Randys comparison of typhoid to murder and robbery and rape. How does Randy justify his plan?

What is the difference between a group of vigilantes and a provisional company that will execute justice and help maintain order in the future of Ft. Repose?

What would Rita Hernandez have to offer Randy that would be of great value? What is ironic about this suggestion coming from Lib? Why would he have tried to wipe her out of his mind? (The very bottom of p. 259 gives a good clue.)

What does Randy conclude about man in general as he looks ahead to Easter services? (skim the large paragraph in the middle of page 262) What additional event will occur on Easter Sunday? (see page )

Lib was unsteady wearing high heels because she had not worn heels since The Day. How much time do you think has passed since The Day?

The matron-of-honor was Mrs. Helen Bragg, the presumed widow of Colonel Mark Bragg. She furnished the wedding ring, stripping it from her own finger. Notice the word choice that the author uses. What is he emphasizing about Helen? What do her actions (her sacrifice) represent about her frame of mind and change of heart?

Contrast Randys reaction to the Admirals reaction when they each heard the news of the Hickeys murder and the trauma the had children suffered. Explain the Admirals statement, Wasnt this sort of thing exactly what we expected? The highway men are compared to beasts.

Malachais suggestion that he be the driver of the truck gives evidence of his intelligence. This attribute was not often credited to black men in that period of history. What were some of the reasons he presented for being the best candidate to drive the truck?

Randy considered stopping at the Sunburys home to inquire about their recovery from typhoid, but he decided against it. How does this relate to Toynbees theory as Dan Gunn had paraphrased it chapters earlier?

Randy compares the highwaymen to a nest of coral snakes. What are the parallels? At the very bottom of page 280 and top of 281) Why would Dan say that he wanted to save Malachai more than he had ever wanted to save anyone?

How had the incidents of the day affected Randy physically by nine oclock that night? What does everyones effort to provide the married couple with privacy reflect about the value system of the group?

What was Randys purpose in keeping the prisoner alive until he could be executed by hanging? Do you think his purpose was fulfilled? How was Braggs Troop formed? Does this reflect actual change in Randys character or simply a change in how he is perceived by others?