In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens

In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens is structured into four parts. Consider Walker’s decision to organize the collection in this way. Why did she group each section of essays together? What gives each part cohesion, and how do the four parts work together to provide continuity and unity to the whole text? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the following questions:

• What is the overall message of each part?
• How does a close reading of each part help better understand Walker’s intention in creating this collection of essays?
• In what ways does In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens explore the themes of Womanism Versus Feminism, How to be a Politically Engaged Artist, and The Role of Mothers and Daughters in each part as well as the text as a whole? Does the organization contribute to Walker’s development of these themes?

Teaching Suggestion: Consider building this exploration of structure into students’ work while reading the text in order to prepare them for this discussion prompt. For example, it may be helpful to pause and reflect at the end of each part. For large classes that may benefit from collaboration, consider breaking the class up into four groups, allowing each group to discuss and explore a single part of the text in relation to its themes.