The Great Debaters

Explain the contrasting images in the beginning scenes of the movie.

It shows the difference between those who see darkness versus those who see stars.

Describe the setting (time & place)

Marshall, Texas, 1935, segregated

Who wrote the poem that Tolson (Denzel Washington) read?

Langston Hughes

What are the two places that Mr. Low says you can read all day?

school, prison

In debates, what are your weapons?

words

What does affirmative mean?

for something

What does negative mean?

against something

Who are the main characters? (3)

Samantha Booke, Mr. Farmer, Henry Lowe

How old is Mr. Farmer?

14

What college are the debaters representing?

Wiley College

Summarize the incident with the pig.

Mr. Farmer was driving while White kids were running; they owned a pig and he didn't notice the pig, however, ran over the pig and had to pay the White owners money.

At homecoming dance, what does Mr. Farmer daydream about?

Mr. Farmer daydreams about dancing with Samantha and kissing her.

What is the topic of the first debate against Palquon College?

social welfare, unemployment, and the allowance system

What is the result of the first debate?

Wiley College wins

What kind of support does Ms. Booke use to support her opening argument against Oklahoma City?

a black soldier that was the last soldier to die in the civil war

Why was tolson arrested? Because he was a __

communist

Who are the reigning debate national champions?

the Great Debaters

Even though the team lost their debate, what is the good news that Mr. Tolson receives when he gets home?

Harvard wants to debate Wiley College.

Why can't Mr. Tolson go with the team to debate Harvard?

It was a condition of bail; he cannot leave the state.

What happens the night before the debate that throws a curve ball in the team's plan?

Harvard heard that Wiley uses pre-written speeches so they changed the topic.

What is Mr. Farmers final argument? What gives it power? What gives him credibility on the topic?

His final argument was that they lynched negroes. He said that he saw it happen himself.