Heat of the Night Questions
Novel Study Questions: I n The Heat of the Night by John Ball
Chapter 1
1. What descriptive details does the author use to make it clear that the setting of the story is a small town? 2. The character of Sam Wood is developed in several instances in Chapter 1. Discuss and develop his character by referring to: a) his opinion of his job b) the reference to killing the dog c) the Delores Purdy incident d) the conversation with the night worker at the restaurant e) Sam’s ability to cope with a crisis 3. How is the racial issue – a main theme of this book – clearly introduces in Chapter 1?
Chapter 2
1. In a well-developed paragraph, describe the character of Chief Gillespie as he is first presented. Use specific references and examples from the text. 2. Give the significance of the following statements by Gillespie: a) “Tourist?” – p. 10 b) “Where is it?” – p. 12 c) “…you don’t have to tell me my job, I’ll tell you.” – p.13 d) “Colored couldn’t make money like that, or keep it if they did, and he knew it.” – p. 19 3. What characteristics stand out during the encounter between Virgil Tibbs and Sam? How does this affect the reader? 4. State your feeling towards each of the following characters at this point in the story; use examples to support your opinions. a) Virgil Tibbs b) Sam Wood c) Chief Gillespie
Chapter 3
1. In the first two chapters, the racial issue has been hinted at. In Chapter 3, we see a clear indication that this issue will be a major item in the story. Provide specific examples and quotations from the characters that support this. 2. What degree of authority does Gillespie have in his police department? Are the opinions of his men justifies? Why / Why not? Use examples to support your answer. 3. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the efficiency of Tibbs and Gillespie as investigators.
Chapter 4
1.
Chapter 1
1. What descriptive details does the author use to make it clear that the setting of the story is a small town? 2. The character of Sam Wood is developed in several instances in Chapter 1. Discuss and develop his character by referring to: a) his opinion of his job b) the reference to killing the dog c) the Delores Purdy incident d) the conversation with the night worker at the restaurant e) Sam’s ability to cope with a crisis 3. How is the racial issue – a main theme of this book – clearly introduces in Chapter 1?
Chapter 2
1. In a well-developed paragraph, describe the character of Chief Gillespie as he is first presented. Use specific references and examples from the text. 2. Give the significance of the following statements by Gillespie: a) “Tourist?” – p. 10 b) “Where is it?” – p. 12 c) “…you don’t have to tell me my job, I’ll tell you.” – p.13 d) “Colored couldn’t make money like that, or keep it if they did, and he knew it.” – p. 19 3. What characteristics stand out during the encounter between Virgil Tibbs and Sam? How does this affect the reader? 4. State your feeling towards each of the following characters at this point in the story; use examples to support your opinions. a) Virgil Tibbs b) Sam Wood c) Chief Gillespie
Chapter 3
1. In the first two chapters, the racial issue has been hinted at. In Chapter 3, we see a clear indication that this issue will be a major item in the story. Provide specific examples and quotations from the characters that support this. 2. What degree of authority does Gillespie have in his police department? Are the opinions of his men justifies? Why / Why not? Use examples to support your answer. 3. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the efficiency of Tibbs and Gillespie as investigators.
Chapter 4
1.