What is the story as deduced by the American captain, Delano? As told by Cereno in the deposition? As not voiced by Babo? As finally interpreted by the author?

2. Characters (Tamika, Kimberly, Diana, Lorie )

Amasa Delano: What sort of person is Delano? How is his "goodness" also his weakness? What in his character and position (and possibly place of origin) cause him to interpret the situation as he does? What clues does he miss and why? How is he a racist?

Benito Cereno: What sort of person is Cereno? Why are his national origin and class significant? What story does he tell Delano? What does he leave out, here and in the deposition?

Babo: Babo never tells his story, but what can you deduce the story of the blacks to be? Why did they resort to violence? How are they different than either Delano or Cereno understand?

3. Look for the following symbolism and imagery in the story: (Jill, Rebecca, Melissa, Shaleshia )

The black, white, and grey imagery
The knot
The animal imagery
The stern-piece (p. 2374) and the paralleled scene in the boat?

4. The Conclusion (Dan, Veronica, Mary, Jonathan, India )

What is the "truth" of the deposition? The final conversation between Delano and Cereno: what has Delano learned? what has Cereno learned? Who is right and who is wrong? What is the unspoken judgment of Babo on the "new world"?

General Questions:
What seems to be the author's interpretation of the story in regard to racism and slavery? (note: it was published in 1855) to the order of authority and hierarchy? to a comparison of "civilized" order and the primitive? as a moral justification for violence and brutality?