Project Mulberry

Park explores racism in this story not through a Black/white lens but through an Asian/white and Black/white lens. What lessons can be drawn from this perspective? Discuss.

Julia compares her relationship to Project Mulberry with the silkworm life cycle. What are the similarities between the two, and what else does the silkworm life cycle symbolize or suggest in the novel?

Discuss the significance of the novel’s title. Why is it (and the children’s project) named after the tree rather than the silkworms?

Although Mr. Maxwell is the obvious “mentor” figure, his influence is limited compared to other adults in the novel. What is the significance of this choice? How does this influence the plot and/or the characters of the novel?

Describe Kenny’s role in the story. What does he bring to the plot and to Project Mulberry?

Patrick considers his background to be “plain old nothing American” (199). Do you agree with this assessment? Why/why not?

How does the novel depict/refer to social class? Discuss.

What is the purpose of the behind-the-scenes conversations between Ms. Park and Julia? Are they truly just insights into the writing process, or is there a deeper meaning? How so?