If you’re a fan of “Hillbilly Elegy,” whether the book or the movie, you’re in for a treat with this article. “Hillbilly Elegy” truly captivated audiences worldwide, earning praise and admiration.
The story delves into the memoir of a Kentucky family and their deep ties to their hometown, painting a vivid picture of their culture and struggles. Both the movie and the book resonated deeply with viewers, amassing a dedicated fanbase across the globe.
This fanbase is so passionate that you can easily find fan clubs or pages where enthusiasts gather to discuss the plot and pose thought-provoking questions. If you count yourself among the biggest fans of “Hillbilly Elegy,” you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ve compiled several discussion questions about “Hillbilly Elegy” that you can delve into with fellow fans in your clubs and groups. If you’re a true devotee, you’ll relish the opportunity to ask and answer these questions and engage in lively debates with other enthusiasts of the movie and book.
Take a peek at the following “Hillbilly Elegy” discussion questions and consider whether you’d enjoy exploring them in conversation.
Hillbilly Elegy Discussion Questions
1.How would you describe Appalachian or “hillbilly” culture? Why does Vance believe it’s a culture in crisis?
2.According to Vance, why does drug and alcohol addiction have such a stronghold in Appalachia?
3.Vance paints a vivid portrait of his mother’s spiraling addiction. How does Vance link her addiction to her upbringing?
4.Mamaw and Papaw are two powerful characters in Vance’s childhood. What was their relationship like? Why did Vance’s relationship with Mamaw become such a driving force in his life?
5.Contrast Vance’s life in Middletown, Ohio, with his grandparents’ life in Jackson, Kentucky. How did moving to Middletown change his family’s identity?
6.What role does family play in Appalachian culture? Does “family” mean the same thing to Vance as it does to the rest of his family?
7.Vance paints a portrait of people who believe their situation is unchangeable and calls it “learned helplessness.” Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Why do think Vance was able to change his situation?
8.Why did Vance resent his neighbors who were on welfare? How does Vance portray people on government assistance?
9.What does Vance think will help resolve the crisis of Appalachian culture?
10.What does the title Hillbilly Elegy mean to you? What images are conjured by the word “hillbilly?” Why do you think the author chose this title?
11.What are the positive values of the culture Vance talks about in Hillbilly Elegy?
12.The author’s mother is arguably the book’s most powerful figure. Describe her and her struggle with addiction. How did the violence between her own parents, Mawaw and Papaw, affect her own adulthood?
13.To What—or to whom—does Vance attribute this escape from the cycle of addiction and poverty?
14.Talk about Vance’s own resentment toward his neighbors who were on welfare but owned cellphones.
15.Does Vance ultimately believe in the mythical American Dream by the end of his journey? If so, how does he believe children from similar backgrounds can achieve it?
16.By the end of the book, how does Vance ultimately feel about the hillbilly code of honor he was taught to obey as a child? What has led him to this sentiment?
17.How does Vance support his claim that the problem the hillbillies face is a sociological one?
18.What are some of the values promoted by the hillbillies? How do these values inform the themes and broader messages of the book?
19.What is the Section 8 law mentioned in the book, and how do Vance and his grandmother see it helping or hurting the community?
Conclusion:
Here are some of the top Hillbilly Elegy Discussion Questions that are sure to intrigue any devoted fan. We trust you found these questions enjoyable and engaging to ponder. Feel free to share them with your friends and fellow enthusiasts of Hillbilly Elegy!
That wraps up our discussion for now. Thank you for joining us, and we appreciate your time. We hope you found our article helpful and insightful.
