Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi explores the legacy of slavery through the interconnected stories of two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, and their descendants. This collection of discussion questions delves into themes of belief, womanhood, and the impact of colonialism across generations. Ideal for book clubs and students studying the novel, these questions encourage deep analysis of character relationships, historical context, and the significance of naming. Engage with the text's exploration of identity, heritage, and the complexities of familial bonds.

Key Points

  • Explores the impact of slavery on family lineage through Effia and Esi's stories.
  • Analyzes themes of belief, womanhood, and colonialism in Yaa Gyasi's narrative.
  • Includes discussion questions that facilitate deeper understanding of character dynamics.
  • Encourages readers to reflect on the significance of naming and identity in the novel.
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HOMEGOING by Yaa Gyasi
Discussion Questions
1. Evaluate the title of the book. Why do you think that the author chose the word Homegoing?
What is a homegoing and where does it appear in the novel? In addition to the term’s literal
meaning, discuss what symbolic meanings or associations the title might have in terms of a
connection with our place of birth, our ancestors, our heritage, and our personal and cultural
histories.
2. Explore the theme of belief. What forms of belief are depicted in the book and what purpose
do these beliefs seem to serve for the characters? Does the author reveal what has shaped the
characters’ beliefs? Do these beliefs seem to have a mostly positive or negative impact on the
believer and those around them?
3. What perspective does the book offer on the subject of beliefs and otherness? For instance,
does the book delineate between superstition and belief? Why does Ma Aku reprimand Jo
after he is kicked out of church? What do the Missionary and the fetish man contribute to a
dialogue on beliefs and otherness? Does the book ultimately suggest the best way to confront
beliefs that are foreign to us?
4. Evaluate the treatment and role of women in the novel. What role does marriage play within
the cultures represented in the novel and how are the women treated as a result? Likewise,
what significance does fertility and motherhood have for the women and how does it
influence their treatment? In the chapter entitled “Effia,” what does Adwoa tell Effia that her
coupling with James is really about? In its depiction of the collective experiences of the
female characters, what does the book seem to reveal about womanhood? How different
would you say the treatment and role of women is today? Discuss.
5. Analyze the structure of the book. Why do you think the author assigned a chapter to each of
the major characters? What points of view are represented therein? Does any single point of
view seem to stand out among the rest or do you believe that the author presented a balanced
point of view? Explain. Although each chapter is distinct, what do the stories have in
common when considered collectively? How might your interpretation of the book differ if
the author had chosen to tell the story from a single point of view?
6. Consider the setting of the book. What time periods are represented and what places are
adopted as settings? Why do you think that the author chose these particular settings? What
subjects and themes are illuminated via these particular choices? How does the extensive
scope of the book help to unify these themes and create a cohesive treatment of the subjects
therein?
7. In the chapter entitled “Quey,” Fiifi tells Quey that “[the] village must conduct its business
like [the] female bird” (53). What does he mean by this and why do you think that Fiifi
chooses this approach?
8. Why was Quey sent to England? After his return home, why does Quey say that it was safer
in England? Why might he feel that what he faces at home is more difficult than the
challenges he faced in leaving home and living abroad?
9. James’s mother, Nana Yaa, says that the Gold Coast is like a pot of groundnut soup (89).
What does she mean by this?
10. Why does Akosua Mensah insist to James, “I will be my own nation” (99)? What role do
patriotism, heritage, and tradition play in contributing to the injustices, prejudices, and
violence depicted in the book? Which other characters seem to share Akosua’s point of view?
11. Explore the theme of complicity. What are some examples of complicity found in the novel?
Who is complicit in the slave trade? Where do most of the slaves come from and who trades
them? Who does Abena’s father say is ultimately responsible (142)? Do you agree with him?
Explain why or why not.
12. Examine the relationships between parents and children in the book. How would you
characterize these relationships? Do the children seem to understand their parents and have
good relationships with them and vice versa? Do the characters’ views of their parents
change or evolve as they grow up? How do the characters’ relationships with their parents
influence the way that they raise their own children?
13. What significance does naming have in the book? Why do some of the characters have to
change or give up their names? Likewise, what do the characters’ nicknames reveal both
about them and about those who give or repeat these names? What does this dialogue
ultimately suggest about the power of language and naming?
14. Explore the motif of storytelling. Who are the storytellers in the book and what kinds of
stories do they tell? Who is their audience? What might these examples suggest about the
purpose and significance of a storytelling tradition?
15. According to Akua, where does evil begin? Where else in the book do readers find examples
that support her view? What impact does Akua’s opinion have on Yaw’s lifework? Does he
agree with Akua’s view or refute it? Do you agree with her? Discuss.
16. What is history according to Yaw? What does he tell his students is “the problem of history”
(226)? Who does Yaw say we believe when reading historical texts and what does he say is
the question we must ask when studying history? How might these ideas influence your own
reading of Gyasi’s book and reshape your ideas about the historical subjects and themes
treated therein?
17. Sonny says that the problem in America “wasn’t segregation but the fact that you could not,
in fact, segregate” (244)? What does he mean by this? What does Sonny say that he is forced
to feel because of segregation? Which of the other characters experience these same feelings
and hardships? Does there seem to be any progress as the story goes on? If so, how is
progress achieved? Alternatively, what stymies and slows progress in this area?
18. What is Marcus studying and why isn’t his research going well? What feeling does he
indicate that he hopes to capture with his project? Why does Marcus go to Ghana and what
does he learn from his experiences there? Marcus believes that “most people lived their lives
on upper levels, not stopping to peer underneath (298). What does he mean by this? Where
do we find examples of this elsewhere in the book? Are there any characters in the novel who
defy this characterization?
19. Consider the book’s treatment of colonialism and imperialism. In the chapter entitled “Esi” at
the start of the book, what does Esi’s mother tell her daughter that weakness and strength
really are? How does her definition of weakness and strength correspond to the dialogue
about colonialism and imperialism that runs throughout the book? Discuss how this dialogue
expands into a deeper conversation about freedom and human rights. Have the issues
surrounding colonialism, imperialism, freedom, and human rights featured in the book been
resolved today or do they linger? If they remain, does the book ultimately offer any
suggestions or advice as to how this might be remedied?
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FAQs

What are the main themes explored in Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi?
Homegoing delves into themes such as the legacy of slavery, identity, and the impact of colonialism. The novel examines how these themes affect the lives of its characters across generations, particularly through the experiences of the two half-sisters, Effia and Esi. Their stories highlight the complexities of family ties and cultural heritage, illustrating how history shapes personal identity and belief systems.
How does the structure of Homegoing enhance its storytelling?
Yaa Gyasi employs a unique structure in Homegoing by dedicating each chapter to a different descendant of Effia and Esi. This approach allows readers to witness the long-lasting effects of slavery and colonialism on multiple generations. Each character's perspective adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the interconnectedness of their experiences while highlighting the individual struggles they face in their respective historical contexts.
What role do women play in Homegoing and how are they portrayed?
Women in Homegoing are depicted as strong yet vulnerable figures, navigating the challenges posed by their cultural and historical contexts. The novel explores their roles in marriage, motherhood, and community, revealing how societal expectations shape their identities. Through characters like Effia and Esi, Gyasi illustrates the resilience of women and their influence on family dynamics, while also addressing issues of fertility and societal pressures.
What significance does naming have in Homegoing?
Naming in Homegoing serves as a powerful motif that reflects identity, heritage, and the characters' connections to their past. Characters often change or lose their names, symbolizing the loss of culture and personal history, particularly in the context of slavery. The act of naming becomes a way for characters to reclaim their identities and assert their individuality, highlighting the importance of language and memory in the narrative.
How does Homegoing address the theme of complicity in the slave trade?
Homegoing intricately weaves the theme of complicity throughout its narrative, illustrating how various characters are interconnected in the slave trade. The novel reveals that complicity is not limited to the slave traders but extends to those within the community who benefit from or remain silent about the injustices. This theme challenges readers to consider their own roles in historical and contemporary issues of inequality and injustice.
What is the significance of the title Homegoing?
The title Homegoing refers to the journey back to one's roots, both literally and metaphorically. It encapsulates the characters' quests for identity and belonging amidst the backdrop of a painful history. The concept of homegoing resonates throughout the novel as characters grapple with their heritage and the impact of their ancestors' choices, ultimately seeking to understand their place in the world.
How does Yaa Gyasi portray the impact of colonialism in Homegoing?
Yaa Gyasi portrays colonialism as a pervasive force that shapes the lives of her characters in Homegoing. The novel illustrates how colonial powers disrupt traditional societies and impose foreign beliefs, leading to a loss of cultural identity. Through the experiences of Effia and Esi, Gyasi highlights the long-lasting effects of colonialism on personal and collective histories, prompting readers to reflect on the ongoing consequences of these historical injustices.

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