Racism is an underlying theme in Precious Jewels. In the beginning of the book, the racism of the characters is obvious when the word "nigger" is spoken. In what other ways do the characters reveal their racial bias throughout the narrative? Do you think that racism still exists today? If so, in what forms do you find racism happening?
Although Pearl never questioned her racist beliefs, her daughter Grace finally concluded that she had to confront her own racism and overcome it. Do you think she succeeded? Why or why not?
This graphic came from Pearl's copy of Swanee River, the one that Jtun gave her when she was a girl, the one that was beside her bed when she died. Although art depicting black people in that time period were usually unflattering caricatures, I was surprised to find that the renderings in that particular issue of Swanee River were thoughtfully done. I particularly like this one, in which I imagine that the book that the lady is reading to the man is the Bible.
