Historical Context

Example 1- In the book, James recalls a time when he was afraid that a Black Panther would hurt his mother because she was white. This is important to the book because it shows that though James has pride in his African American roots, he also has feelings of love for his mother that cause him to have mixed feelings. This is important to history because the mention of the Black Panthers shows the historical background to this book.

Example 2- When Ruth’s brother dies in WWII, it becomes an aspect of her life that pushes us further away from her family and her Jewish heritage. It also sets the stage for the history present in the novel. It shows just what a different world Ruth lived in than we do today.

Example 3- Throughout the book, Ruth and her family suffer the stigma and confusion associated with being in an interracial couple during the time the book takes place.