Jazz Moon (34 page)
Authors: Joe Okonkwo
Discussion Questions
1.
Ben engages in a number of intimate/romantic relationships over the course of the novel. Is there a common thread that runs through these relationships? Is there any kind of progression? How do his emotional needs and his perspectives on relationships change over time?
Ben engages in a number of intimate/romantic relationships over the course of the novel. Is there a common thread that runs through these relationships? Is there any kind of progression? How do his emotional needs and his perspectives on relationships change over time?
2.
How do art/creativity influence or shape the events in the novel?
How do art/creativity influence or shape the events in the novel?
3.
How is Ben's move from Dogwood to New York similar to his move from New York to Paris? How is it different?
How is Ben's move from Dogwood to New York similar to his move from New York to Paris? How is it different?
4.
How is nightlife in Paris different from nightlife in Harlem? How is it similar?
How is nightlife in Paris different from nightlife in Harlem? How is it similar?
5.
The racism that Ben encounters in France differs greatly from the racism he encounters in the United States. In what ways does French racism manifest itself?
The racism that Ben encounters in France differs greatly from the racism he encounters in the United States. In what ways does French racism manifest itself?
6.
What makes Harlem a good place to be? What makes it a not-so-good place to be?
What makes Harlem a good place to be? What makes it a not-so-good place to be?
7.
What role does sex play in the story and how does it shape the story's events?
What role does sex play in the story and how does it shape the story's events?
8.
After the breakup with Baby Back, Ben spends a great deal of time in the “shadows.” How does it hurt him? How does it help him?
After the breakup with Baby Back, Ben spends a great deal of time in the “shadows.” How does it hurt him? How does it help him?
9.
What influence do women have on the events in this story?
What influence do women have on the events in this story?
10.
In what ways does the voyage on the
Bonaparte
prepare Ben for Paris? How does the voyage shape his expectations of Paris and how does it affect his relationship with Baby Back?
In what ways does the voyage on the
Bonaparte
prepare Ben for Paris? How does the voyage shape his expectations of Paris and how does it affect his relationship with Baby Back?
11.
What is the significance of colorâracial and otherwiseâin the novel?
What is the significance of colorâracial and otherwiseâin the novel?
Jazzing the Moon:
A Harlem Renaissance Playlist
“I'm Just Wild About Harry”
By Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, from the musical
Shuffle Along,
1921
1921
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“Charleston”
By James P. Johnson, from the musical
Runnin' Wild,
1923
Runnin' Wild,
1923
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“Riverside Blues”
By Thomas A. Dorsey and Richard M. Jones
Performed by Joe “King” Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, featuring
Louis Armstrong. Recorded 1923
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“St. Louis Blues”
By W. C. Handy
Sung by Bessie Smith; Louis Armstrong: trumpet. Recorded 1925
“Shake That Thing”
Sung by Ethel Waters. Recorded 1925
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“Black Bottom Stomp”
By Jelly Roll Morton
Performed by Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers.
Recorded 1926
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“Creole Love Call”
Written and performed by Duke Ellington and Adelaide Hall.
Recorded 1927
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“Empty Bed Blues”
By J. C. Johnson
Sung by Bessie Smith. Recorded 1928
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“How Much Can I Stand?”
Sung by Gladys Bentley. Recorded 1928
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“West End Blues”
By Joe “King” Oliver
Performed by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five. Recorded 1928
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“Gimme a Pigfoot”
Music and lyrics by Wesley Wilson
Sung by Bessie Smith. Recorded 1933
To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
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Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
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Copyright © 2016 by Joe Okonkwo
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.
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eISBN-13: 978-1-4967-0117-6
eISBN-10: 1-4967-0117-8
First Kensington Electronic Edition: June 2016
eISBN-10: 1-4967-0117-8
First Kensington Electronic Edition: June 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4967-0116-9
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