Mules and Men

A primary obstacle in reading this book is Hurston’s representation of Black language. What are the major pros and cons of representing language this way?

How does Hurston’s role in this work of nonfiction affect its credibility? In what ways might her presence in the book alter how readers perceive the information?

Elaborate on the conversational dynamics used and recorded in Part 1, “Folklore.” What components of turn-taking, humor, and emotion are used? And what can these components tell readers about sociocultural norms of the groups portrayed in Mules and Men?

How do the folklore tales and songs contribute to the establishment of a Black literary tradition that is focused on inclusion and cultural relativism?

Select one of the hoodoo doctors with whom Hurston studies in Part 2. Examine the common tools, themes, or reasons for the rituals performed in the selected chapter. What do these commonalities reveal about hoodoo?

What elements of West African, Caribbean, and Christian beliefs are also found in hoodoo? Why might these beliefs be present in hoodoo practice?

Hurston mentions several times in Part 2 that certain hoodoo doctors serve primarily white clients. What is significant about this detail, and why is it important that she mentions it?

Select one or two folk songs from the Appendix. What cultural elements are represented in the lyrics? What are the similarities or dissimilarities between the content of the songs and the folktales in Part 1?