Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

Investigate the author’s writing style and narrative structure in portraying the emotional and psychological turmoil faced by the characters amidst the turmoil of war. How does the novel-in-verse format contribute to the narrative’s impact and emotional resonance? Analyze the use of poetic language and its effect on character development and storytelling.

Trace Ashe’s character development throughout the novel. How does his journey from adolescence to adulthood reflect the challenges of coming of age amidst the turmoil of war and personal adversity?

Explore the significance of the setting and historical context in shaping the characters’ experiences and decisions. How does the Vietnam War backdrop influence the characters’ relationships and conflicts?

Angela’s family hosts a Thanksgiving dinner despite their worries about Kelly. What role do resilience and coping mechanisms, like the dinner, play in the novel?

Discuss the role and significance of the haiku form. How do these poems contribute to the overall storytelling and thematic depth?

Examine Ashe’s relationships with Angela, his father, his mother, and his sister. How do these characters guide his decision-making?

How does the historical backdrop of the late 1960s, depicted through the characters’ reactions to political events and societal tensions, contribute to the novel’s themes of personal sacrifice and societal impact?

Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Ashe, especially regarding his decision to enlist in the military. Explore the complexities of his choices and the moral implications of sacrificing personal aspirations for familial responsibilities. How does this decision reflect the larger social and moral dilemmas presented in the novel?