Green Book Essay Questions

What does Tony teach Don in the course of their journey?

While it seems as if Tony might not have a whole lot to teach the well-educated and talented Don, he does end up having an influence on his employer and unlikely friend. On the road, Tony introduces Don to elements of popular culture, such as rock music and fast food, and teaches him the importance of connecting and opening up to others. By the end of the film, the isolated Don comes to see the significance of friendship, accepting Tony's warmth and going to his apartment for Christmas dinner.

What does Don teach Tony in the course of their journey?

Don tries in vain to convince Tony to become more refined and gentle in his mannerisms, in an effort to have him fit in with the more proper world of music. While this does not work, Don ends up teaching Tony something more profound when he teaches him to express himself by helping him in writing his letters to Dolores. Initially, Don writes the letters for Tony, who transcribes romantic descriptions and sends them along. But by the end, Tony has internalized this help and begun to write his own expressive and romantic letters.

Why does Don want to tour the South?

Tony cannot understand why Don Shirley would want to go on a tour of the Deep South, knowing that it is segregated and saturated with racial hostility. Additionally, Don could make much more money playing concerts in the New York area, and would not have to suffer the indignities he does on the Southern tour. At dinner in Birmingham, Oleg tells Tony that Don travels to the South because he wants to change perceptions and help race relations there. He tells a story about Nat King Cole playing a show in Birmingham and getting beaten up for singing white songs, as a way of showing Tony that the hostility in the South is high, but that Don wants to make a difference to how Southern white people perceive black Americans.

What were some of the criticisms of the film at the time of its release?

While some critics liked Green Book, there were others who thought it was a watered down version of history, that did not address the realities of race relations, but instead portrayed a more palatable version. Some thought the film recapitulated the "white savior" narrative, in which a white person comes to the rescue of a black person, thus further extending the perception that black people are unable to take care of themselves. Others felt that the character of Don was something of a "magical negro" character, a term coined by Spike Lee that describes a black character who is portrayed as somehow improving the lives of a white character. Don Shirley's family spoke out against the film, suggesting that it was inaccurate, but director Peter Farrelly said they were unavailable when he tried to get in touch during production. Farrelly apologized for any elements of the film that the Shirleys felt misrepresented Don.

What is the final moment of the film?

The final moment is Don and Dolores connecting at the Christmas Eve dinner. Don thanks Dolores for sharing Tony with him for the trip, and Dolores knowingly thanks Don for helping Tony write the letters. In this moment, the two of them share in their mutual affection for Tony, as well as laugh about the fact that they both know that Tony can use some help being soft and tender.