Essay Questions

How does Kevin Boyle build the theme of racism in the novel Arc of Justice?

Kevin Boyle’s novel explores the saga of racism in the USA in the 1920s. The White people lived in specific neighborhoods where Black people could not live. Black people were concentrated in ghettos, and their movement was restricted. When a Black man called Ossian Sweet bought a house in the white-dominated neighborhood, they sent a gang to evict him. During the raid, Sweet used his gun to shoot a White man throwing stones to break the windows of his house. The case ended in court, intending to evict Sweet from the neighborhood. Kevin Boyle also shows how the justice system in the 1920s racially discriminated against Black people. The police used false evidence and couched witnesses to testify against Black people. Therefore, the justice system ensured that most Black people like Sweet had no freedom to whatever could make them prosper.

What was the role of civil rights activists in fighting against bigotry in the 1920s?

Civil rights activists played a significant role in fighting for equal rights. Whenever a Black person was involved in a court case, the civil rights activists looked for the best lawyers to represent the Black people. In the process, many Black people won cases against racists who wanted to exploit Black people. For instance, when Sweet was involved in a criminal case, the NAAP developed the best legal defense that ensured he won the case. The primary intention of the NAAP was for Black people to fight for their rights. In particular, the civil rights activists wanted to end housing discrimination against Black people.

How does the author explore the topic of parental love in the novel Arc of Justice?

Throughout the novel, the author shows that every parent aims to see his children succeed and live happy lives. In the 1920s, most Black people lived a miserable life because of discrimination and lack of equal opportunities. Therefore, most Black people lived below the poverty line. However, parents wanted the best for their children, which is a depiction of true love. For instance, the parents of Ossian Sweet sent him to a university in Detroit to ensure he finished his education to access better opportunities in life. The parents sacrificed a lot to ensure Sweet finished school. After graduating, Sweet managed to buy a house despite the rampant racial discrimination against Black people in the 1920s.