The Bitter Side of Sweet

Amadou struggles to trust adults. Why is his distrust of others significant? What does it tell the reader about the effects of child labor and captivity?

The story is told from Amadou’s first-person perspective. How would it differ if told from another character’s perspective or from a third-person perspective? How does Sullivan’s use of point of view shape the reader’s understanding of major themes?

How does Amadou’s character transform? What plot events and literary tools does Sullivan use to develop the changes he undergoes?

How does Sullivan characterize Moussa? Is he the villain of the novel, or is the villain someone or something else? How does Amadou’s first-person perspective influence the reader’s judgments of Moussa’s character?

Analyze the relationship between Amadou and Khadija. How does it change throughout the novel? Why do they struggle to get along at first? What changes take place that lead to their eventual friendship?

How do Sullivan’s descriptions of characters’ eyes function throughout the novel?

How does Amadou’s guilt keep him from experiencing emotional freedom? How do the bosses use Amadou’s guilt to manipulate him and keep him subdued?

What do Amadou, Seydou, and Khadija learn about the cacao industry throughout the novel? How do their step-by-step discoveries lead to their decision to tell their story in Mrs. Kablan’s article? Why do they choose to publish the article, even though it puts them in more danger?