83 pages • 2 hours read
J. D. VanceHillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
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.
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?
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?
