The Weight of Blood

Who or what is the novel’s true villain, and why? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

What does Maddy’s hair symbolize? Use examples from the text to develop your essay.

How does the author’s use of an omniscient, third-person narrator help the reader learn more about what happened on prom night? Support your answer with examples from the text.

What does the novel suggest about the effects of bullying and exclusion?

How does Wendy’s character arc demonstrate the potential for redemption and change?

How does Kenny’s character arc demonstrate the potential for redemption and change?

How does Jules’s character arc complicate or negate the potential for redemption and change?

Analyze the images Papa has pasted inside Maddy’s prayer closet. How do they communicate which versions of femininity and whiteness he values and expects Maddie to emulate?