The Third Life of Grange Copeland is a powerful novel by Alice Walker, which was published in 1970 It tells the story of Grange Copeland, a poor and uneducated African-American sharecropper living in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. Grange struggles to free himself and his family from the enormous burden of poverty, racism, and oppression that they face. The novel follows Grange’s life over three generations, as he works to break down the systemic injustices that have been imposed on him and his family.
Essay Topic Idea One: Write an essay exploring the theme of racial injustice in The Third Life of Grange Copeland.
This essay can discuss how racial injustice is depicted throughout the novel. It can look at the way that Grange experiences racism both explicitly and implicitly, such as the way in which he is treated unfairly by his employers, how the local white community views and treats him, and how he is unable to access the same opportunities as his white peers. It could also explore how Grange ultimately succeeds in overcoming the racism he experiences, and how he passes on his experiences to his sons, thus hoping to create lasting change.
Essay Topic Idea Two: Write an essay comparing and contrasting the character of Grange Copeland and his sons, Rufus and Malcolm.
This essay can explore the similarities and differences between Grange Copeland and his two sons, Rufus and Malcolm. It can look at how their experiences of racism differ throughout the novel, and how the ways in which they react to it differ. It can also look at the different paths they take in trying to fight against the racism they experience, and the different outcomes they have. Finally, this essay can examine how Grange’s legacy affects the way in which his sons view the world and the choices they make.
Essay Topic Idea Three: Write an essay examining the role of religion in The Third Life of Grange Copeland.
This essay can look at how religion is depicted in the novel, from Grange’s decision to become a preacher to his son Malcolm’s disillusionment with the church and its teachings. It can explore the way in which religion is used to both oppress and empower the African-American community, as well as how it shapes Grange and his family’s experiences. Finally, it can look at the ways in which religion ultimately affects the outcome of the novel.
Essay Topic Idea Four: Write an essay exploring the idea of freedom in The Third Life of Grange Copeland.
This essay can look at how the idea of freedom is explored throughout the novel, from Grange’s desire to escape his oppressive situation, to the ways in which his sons try to break free from the expectations of the African-American community. It can also explore the way in which freedom is ultimately defined in the novel, and how it is used to explore the notion of justice and inequality.
Essay Topic Idea Five: Write an essay discussing the importance of family in The Third Life of Grange Copeland.
This essay can explore the significance of family in the novel, from the way in which it serves as a support system for Grange and his family, to how it enables them to survive the immense hardships they face. It can look at how the family’s love for one another ultimately helps them to overcome the racism and oppression they experience, and how it serves as a foundation for their strength in the face of adversity.