Brother: A Novel

Michael and Francis catch an image of their faces reflected in a newspaper box. What is the significance of this moment? What brings this memory into Michael’s mind?

What is Chariandy’s message about the importance of community? How does he develop this message? Use specific examples from the text to support your response.

What messages does Brother offer about masculinity? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Compare and contrast Michael and Francis. What do they have in common? What aspects of their personalities and experiences set them apart from one another?

Analyze the symbolism of the hydro pole in the Prologue. What does it represent? Why did Chariandy open the novel in this way?

Analyze Jelly’s significance to the novel. How does he operate as an important but troubling link to Francis? How does he symbolize culture and community building?

Analyze Aisha’s significance to the narrative. How does she help Michael construct identity and understanding? What larger message(s) does Aisha represent?

Select at least two moments throughout the novel in which Michael and/or Francis are targeted for being Black. What do these moments expose about their society? What is Chariandy’s overall message about oppression and marginalization?