Choose one topic. The best way to generate a thesis statement is to begin by asking questions that you wish...

Choose one topic. The best way to generate a thesis statement is to begin by asking questions that you wish to answer. You do not have to answer all of the questions under each topic. They are meant to get you thinking.

1.  Describe and examine the moral code by which members of the Dolly and other families live. Why do they have such a rigid code? What comprises it? What happens when characters violate the code? Does the code have room for behaviors that fall outside of it?

2. Examine the role of women in the novel. In a strongly patriarchal society, how are women expected to behave? Do they always follow the unwritten rules? Are their moments when the women break out of patriarchal expectations? Why are friendships between women so important? You do not have to only focus on Ree alone for this question.

3. The novel is titled Winter’s Bone. How and why is the setting important in this book? You might focus on the woods, the weather, the spring, or the landscape in general. Why does Woodrell spend so much time focusing on the natural elements?