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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the sermon in the first act, who does the pastor say that King Hezekiah called on?

2. Where does the play, "The Amen Corner," take place?

3. What do Margaret and Odessa agree that Brother Boxer doesn't have any right to be doing?

4. What is Brother Boxer looking for in the new Frigidaire?

5. When Sister Moore asks if there's anyone who needs "the Lord's especial attention," who comes forward?

Short Essay Questions

1. Odessa tries to convince Margaret to return to church in Act III and win back her congregation, but Margaret says she can't. Why?

2. In Act III, what does Margaret mean when she tells David that she's seen young men like him become the lowest of the low?

3. What signs are in Act I that Luke is sick?

4. Why does Margaret demand that David turn off the music on the phonograph in Act II?

5. Margaret makes all kinds of excuses as to why David might have drank liquor, including friends making fun of him, a girl, or his father. What was David's reason?

6. What do we know about Mrs. Jackson's baby by Act III?

7. Why does Odessa refer to Sister Moore as "poor Sister Moore" in Act III?

8. In Act II, what does Brother Boxer say about what it cost him to go to Philadelphia when his wife was out of town?

9. Why do Sister Boxer and Sister Moore come to church early in Act III?

10. When Act III begins, what have Brother and Sister Boxer and Sister Moore been doing since Odessa last saw them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

James Baldwin is noted for writing about African American issues during his lifetime. Although his characters in "The Amen Corner" are African American, the central theme is religion. During Act III, Margaret tells her son about "boys like you down home" and that "I seen them go down." She presents religion to her son as a way to escape this path. Do you believe Baldwin wrote about African American issues in this scene or others in "The Amen Corner"? Give examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In the last act, Margaret is upset at the loudness coming from the church. After telling her that she always told them to praise the Lord with fervor, Brother Boxer asks Margaret, "Where's all your fervor done gone to, Sister Margaret?" Fervor is another word for passion. Compare and contrast the ideas about passion for the church and passion for another person in "The Amen Corner."

Essay Topic 3

Much is made about David following in his father's footsteps as they both want music as their career. Do you think that David will end up like his father? Why or why not? Support your answers.

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