Questions About Linden Hills

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Answered Questions (3)

I gather the poem read at the wedding is Whitman; is that right?. Another poem comes soon after that--whose is it?

A Special Kind of Double I think you are referring to the poem Willie has in his head while they are at Lycentia Parker's wake. It's called Cuisine Bourgeoisie by Wallace Stev…moreI think you are referring to the poem Willie has in his head while they are at Lycentia Parker's wake. It's called Cuisine Bourgeoisie by Wallace Stevens(less)

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Why are Willie and Lester important to the story?

Liam Willie is an important viewer of Linden Hills from the outside. He grew up and still lives in Putney Wayne which is the poorer, working class neighbou…moreWillie is an important viewer of Linden Hills from the outside. He grew up and still lives in Putney Wayne which is the poorer, working class neighbourhood next to Linden Hills. He views things without the tinted glasses that the Linden Hills residents (and those that seek it) do.
Lester is Willie's connection into the world of Linden Hills. Although he is a resident, he recognises there is something strange about Linden Hills and Luther, but not nearly to the same extent as Willie and is often blinded to some facts that are terrifying to Willie.
The pair also serve as a symbol to the hypocrisy of the area - Lester and Willie have (more-or-less) the same upbringing except living in separate communities. Lester is able to get them out of some tougher situations given he lives there, whilst Willie would not have been able to do the same because he is an outsider.
Also note how Willie is of very dark complexion, whilst Lester is lighter-skinned, perhaps signifying a tendency for people of Linden Hills to 'act white', whilst Willie's lower-class neighbourhood is viewed as 'more black'.(less)

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What point is Naylor trying to make by making the neighborhood an inverted pyramid with the wealthy at the bottom of the hill?

Julia Himmelberger The extent of success of residents in Linden Hills is measured by the location of their houses. The further down the hill you are, the more "successfu…moreThe extent of success of residents in Linden Hills is measured by the location of their houses. The further down the hill you are, the more "successful" you are. The reason behind the inverted pyramid is due to the model of Dante's Inferno. Naylor is suggesting that in this community the residents' perception of success is skewed, and their quest to reach the bottom is actually their steps further into hell, with the devil Luther waiting for them at the bottom.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Why are the affluent losing everything they've worked for?

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How does the Nedeed family legacy go wrong?

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