The Kitchen House

In Chapter 47, Lavinia says that she is “just as enslaved as all the others” (300). How is Lavinia’s experience as an indentured servant, and then as Marshall’s wife, like the experience of the slaves on the plantation? How is it different? What commentary is made through this contrast?

Martha and Lavinia’s paths intersect through their laudanum use. How did their feelings of isolation and grief lead to their reliance on the drug? How does this relate to Fanny’s comment that Lavinia’s laudanum use is her “actin’ just like a white woman, just give up, sittin’ in her room”? (308).

Consider Marshall’s character. As a child, he is sexually abused by Mr. Waters, but he clings to Rankin, Mr. Waters’s friend, instead of the people that helped him. Why does he turn to Rankin? How does he let his past abuse dictate his future?

Consider the similarities between Lavinia and Martha and Belle and Jamie. How do they illustrate the idea of history repeating itself? How do they resist that idea?

There is a continual tension between secret desire and physical action. Choose one character and explore how their secret desires are at odds with the actions they take.

Lavinia often sacrifices her own desires to please those around her. Choose three examples of how she does this. What does she sacrifice, and what happens because of that sacrifice?  

Lavinia often sacrifices her own desires to please those around her. Choose three examples of how she does this. What does she sacrifice, and what happens because of that sacrifice?  

Explore Lavinia’s relationship with Mama Mae and Martha. How does each relationship differ? What does Lavinia find in her relationship with Martha that she doesn’t have with Mama Mae?