The Marrow of Tradition Lesson Plan

What is the effect of the dialect used with the Mammy Jane character in Chapter I? Why is the speech of other characters not presented in dialect? Why is such important information about Olivia and Janet presented in dialect?

Readers will likely find the dialect difficult to read. Students should note that the difficulty presents a distinction between the readers' understanding and what the Black characters understand. No other characters speak in dialect because the novel signifies them as different, but it also indicates that they have knowledge not available to others.

What do you think of the way Mammy Jane and Jerry are portrayed? Why do they criticize younger Black...