The Killing Tree

by Rachel Keener

  Father Heron says Mamma Rutha killed Mary, and Mamma Rutha says Father Heron killed her. How do you think Mary died?

  Why did Father Heron lay Glory down under the apple tree? Did it make you feel more sympathetic toward him?

  Della says, “Love don’t run,” while Mercy believes that love comes in many different forms. What circumstances in their lives cause them to define love the way they do? Whose definition do you agree with more?

  Mercy describes Crooktop ominously (“I knew that Crooktop had its fist around me”). How is Trout’s perspective of the mountain different? Why is it different? Do you think Mercy’s relationship with Trout changed her perspective of Crooktop?

  Did you agree with Mercy’s decision to “be Rusty’s girl”?

  Mercy often felt alone and that she didn’t belong, despite the crowds around her. Della talked about feeling similarly, yet she “glowed” among the crowds and behaved very differently from Mercy. Why? Who suffered more from her lack of belonging? Have you ever felt alone, despite the crowds around you? Do you hide like Mercy or work to “glow” like Della?

  Why do you think the author didn’t resolve Trout’s story? What do you think the future holds for Trout? For Mercy?