Essay Questions

Why is the crossroad an important place?

In the novel, Robert stops at a crossroad and there he is met by other characters he will interact with in the novel. But why is the crossroad an important place and element in the novel? Crossroads are generally associated with the idea of making deals with supernatural beings. In Norse mythology, various Gods made deals at crossroads and through those deals they gained knowledge or financial benefits. In the past, the crossroads were places where Gods communicated with other Gods but in contemporary literature, they became places where normal people made deals with the Devil in exchange for talent. Thus, understanding what the crossroad symbolizes is crucial because it offers an explanation about the origin of the character’s talent.

Why may be the reader inclined to believe that the main character made a deal with the Devil?

While it is never mentioned clearly, it is hinted that Thomas may have made a deal with the Devil and that the Devil was the source of his talent. The reason why many have this assumption is because Thomas is first seen at a crossroad, a place where deals are usually made with the devil. Next, he talks about a Gentleman he runs away from and mentions that fact that he needs help to escape from the said Gentlemen. All this prompted many to believe that the Gentleman was actually the devil and that Thomas wanted to escape from the deal he made.

Who was Robert Johnson?

Robert Johnson was an African-American man who lived at the beginning of the 20th century and who is commonly associated with blues music. He became a well-known singer in a short period of time and his singles influenced other major bands and artists that came after him, such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. There are many legends about the singer and some claim that he sold his soul to the devil and that he received in return his musical talent. In the novel as well, this idea is explored and analyzed and the men’s talent is attributed to divine intervention.