Two Roads

Roads are an important symbol in this novel. Pop explains to Cal that their life is a circle and that they can take two different roads and end up together at the end. When Two Roads ends, the reader knows which roads the two characters will take in the immediate future, but not in the long-term future. Explore the different roads Cal and his father travel, both together and separately. Consider both their literal roads and their figurative roads. In what ways do they end up together even though they will drift apart again?

There is a distinction in the novel between the so-called “Five Civilized Tribes” and other Indigenous cultures. Research these tribes and explain what set them apart from other Indigenous tribes in the eyes of mainstream white culture. What did the government at the time mean by the word “civilized,” and how does this wording reflect the deep-seated racism that confronted (and sometimes continues to confront) Indigenous cultures across the United States?

The novel mentions the Trail of Tears, but this historical aspect does not play a large role in the novel. For the characters, it is primarily important because of the effects it had on the characters’ ancestors. Read a novel about the Trail of Tears and discuss aspects of that experience that led the characters in Two Roads to become who they are. (A good alternate text might be Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears.)

Consider the social structure of Challagi. How are the students organized socially? Around what characteristics do friend groups form? Compare this to your own school experience. Despite the more obvious distinctions of location and subject matter, what similarities and differences do you find between Challagi and your own schooling experience?

Language is a key factor in stereotyping people and discriminating against people. Consider some of the disparaging words used in the novel. Think of terms that are intended as a compliment but that may be just as offensive as the more derogatory words. (Such an example is “civilized.”) What do these words imply about those they describe and those they exclude? Also consider the use of the phrase “Indigenous people.” Analyze these examples to explain the various ways in which language is often used to oppress, dehumanize, or marginalize people.

Girls are present at Challagi, but Cal never talks to any of them. In fact, very little is known about how the girls are treated. Why is this the case? How might the experience of girls and boys differ at Challagi, and why do these differences occur? Use specific examples from the text to prove your point.

This is a coming-of-age novel, otherwise known as a bildungsroman. Typically, the protagonist of such a novel must undergo challenges that will help them grow into a more mature person. What challenges help Cal to mature, and how is his maturation put to the test at the end of the novel?

Consider the main characters in the novel, primarily Cal, Pop, Possum, and Bear Meat. What are the primary values that each character holds? What do they all have in common? Why are they able to stick to their code of honor despite being in harsh circumstances? Use examples from the text to illustrate your points.