The Prophets Essay Questions

Is the ending a hopeful ending?

The ending of the novel is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the fate of several characters open to interpretation. Though Samuel is hanged and set on fire, he reappears at a crucial moment of Isaiah’s need, and helps him escape further into the woods. However, the closing image is of Isaiah plunged into the darkness. Maggie kills Paul and sets fire to the Big House and the cotton fields, implying that the cycle of oppression on the Halifax plantation, at least, can no longer be continued.

How significant is the title "The Prophets"?

The title of the book is symbolic because it represents hope and guidance for enslaved communities like that of Samuel and his lover Isaiah on the Halifax plantation. According to the narrator, the prophets speak in seven voices to encourage the spirit of optimism amongst the enslaved people. By listening to these voices, the enslaved people are optimistic that they will get freedom one day.

What is the main source of conflict between Samuel and Isaiah?

Samuel thinks Isaiah is too compliant and passive, while Isaiah thinks Samuel is too reckless and aggressive. Isaiah wants to survive, while Samuel believes that you cannot want to survive under slavery. Their love is tested in other ways—by the pressures put on them by Paul to reproduce, and by Timothy, who lusts after both of them. Amos stirs up animosity amongst the other slaves, hoping to turn public opinion against the two and turn them into scapegoats.

How do women impact the plantation? How is femininity depicted?

Jones includes a diverse cast of female characters, including Maggie, the housekeeper and cook, Essie, a younger slave who Paul plans to breed repeatedly, and Be Auntie, an older slave who has aged past her reproductive years. The depictions of femininity are nuanced and deep, differing with each character’s perspective and attitude towards their own gender. Maggie asserts a spiritual and near-mystical power over the plantation, communicating with the voices of the ancestors. Be Auntie and Puah respectively impact the plantation in opposite ways, as one is an older woman aged past her "prime," while Puah is a young girl just coming into her sexuality.

Why are the slaves unable to run away?

Slave-owners often told their slaves lies to keep them from running away, and the Halifaxes are no exception. They refer to the Choctaw as murderous cannibals, and the toubab have also told the slaves that there is simply nothing beyond the woods. There are also traps laid in the forest, and hounds that will chase down any runaway slaves.

How does Timothy’s education in the North affect his views on slavery? Do his sympathies make him more or less dangerous to Samuel and Isaiah?

Timothy’s education in the North has made him aware of more abolitionist attitudes towards slaves, but he ultimately concludes that Northerners are hypocrites who simply have not thought their arguments to their logical conclusions. He voices abolitionist thoughts to his mother Ruth, and claims that he will free some of the slaves when he inherits the plantation. However, he still knowingly abuses his power and status to force Isaiah and Samuel into having sex with him.