86 pages 2 hours read

J. D. Vance

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016

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Essay Topics

1.

What similarities does Vance illustrate between Appalachian culture and African American culture in the memoir? On what does he base these observations? Use examples from the text and outside research to support your argument.

2.

What were the causes of the massive out-migrations by Appalachians during the 20th century, and what difficulties did they encounter in the new regions they called home?

3.

In what ways does Vance view the plight of his fellow Appalachians as their own fault, as opposed to the fault of external factors or forces? What approaches, if any, does he advocate for change?