The Great Mann

Louise Beavers, Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Lena Horne, Hattie McDaniel, Norman and Edythe Houston, and many others featured in The Great Mann were real residents of L.A.’s Sugar Hill who fought against racial covenants in the 1940s. How does knowing this history influence your reading experience and understanding of the story?

Hattie McDaniel once said, “I can be a maid for $7 a week or I can play a maid for $700 a week.” In The Great Mann, many of her neighbors criticized her portrayal of servile characters as being harmful to the Black community. Considering the historical context, was McDaniel justified in her career choices? Did her success create opportunities for Black actors, or did her roles reinforce negative stereotypes?

Anna Caldwell reflects on her transformation from being “a Negro girl from Missouri” to “a woman with a name.” What does this transformation represent to her, and how does it relate to the themes of personal value and worth explored in The Great Mann?

Charlie has an intense attachment to James “Reaper” Mann. Do you think James is an aspirational figure to Charlie? What aspects of Charlie’s character or background might help explain his connection to James?

Anna accuses Charlie of being in love with James. Is her accusation driven by jealousy over the time Charlie spends with James? How did you interpret the relationship between the two men?

Terrance is depicted as an egotistical womanizer who revels in one-upmanship. However, he earned his professional ascension honestly, never shies away from putting racists in their place, and got Charlie his start at Golden State Mutual. Is Terrance truly a villain?

Why does Marguerite refuse to acknowledge the racism around her, or even its role in her brother’s death? How does this denial manifest in her daily life and interactions with others, and what does this reveal about her coping mechanisms and psychological state?

The residents of Sugar Hill live under the constant threat of losing their homes, causing them to confront fears tied to their livelihoods and social status. How do the challenges these characters face—economic instability, racial discrimination in Hollywood, and the struggle to break free from poverty—reflect the broader societal issues that continue to affect marginalized communities today?

Dolores gives a statement to the newspaper after her return that leads Charlie to believe Terrance has a “type.” What did Charlie mean by this? Which characteristics, if any, do Marguerite and Dolores share?

James is loyal to and protective of those he cares about. He goes to great lengths and expense to help when a friend is in need. He is also frequently dishonest and secretive, and his actions put those closest to him at risk. Given these contradictions, is James a great man?