Bobbie Ann Mason study questions

1. The title of the story reflects back on the Civil War battle at Corinth, Mississippi. The North won the battle, but losses were staggering for both sides: 13,047 Northern dead and 10,694 Southern dead.

2. In what was is the story an image of conflict?

3. What are the conflicts in the story?

4. What causes the problems between Leroy and Norma Jean?

5. What has their child's death to do with their breakup?

6. How is this story a reflection of women's changing social status?

7. How does Norma compare to women characters from the 19th century and early 20th century short stories?

8. An epiphany is a moment of realization, when a person understands the real meaning of a moment, an event, a relationship, a person. What epiphanies do Leroy and Norma Jean have? Are these epiphanies true reflections of the situation or only hopeful reflections?