Reynolds discusses DuBois’s concept of “double consciousness.” “A two-ness. A self that is black and a self the is American”. In what ways might people feel as if their identity is divided? In what ways might people feel as if their identity is unified?

What is the significance of the novel's title? what is the "sweet hereafter"? a place you go after a tragedy takes your life a beautiful place the dead go, like heaven into the sunset, an ending that is not defined a dark sad place the dead go before rebirth