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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. When she is nine years old, by whom does Esther become entranced?

2. What recurring dream does Esther have about her father's store?

3. How many times has Karintha been married?

4. Who does the narrator blame for the end of Carma's story?

5. Who is observing the forest in "Nullo"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the woman in the poem "Face".

2. What seems to be the overall emotional impression of the woman described in "Face"?

3. How does the author describe both the African and Christian God in "Conversion"?

4. According to Helen, why are girls fascinated with Paul?

5. Why might Toomer have used the voice of the cotton picker?

6. Describe the procession of men leaving work as told in "Georgia Dusk."

7. Why might Toomer have chosen to end with the image of light upon Father John and Carrie?

8. What does the house upon Rhobert's head represent?

9. What are the "reapers" in the poem of the same name?

10. What prevents the speaker from connecting with those around him in "Harvest Song"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout "Cane," the reader is shown men in danger of temptation. By what are these men tempted? How do they give into or resist this temptation? What are the potential benefits or consequences of this temptation? What might we infer Toomer is trying to say about temptation?

Essay Topic 2

Women play a huge role in Jean Toomer's "Cane". How are they depicted? Does Toomer seem to respect or disrespect women? Which characters do we see supporting this assertion?

Essay Topic 3

The intersection of Black and white society in the early twentieth century is discussed thoroughly in "Cane". Where do we see this intersection? How does it affect the daily lives of those belonging to each community? Are the interactions wrought of this intersection positive or negative? What might the author be attempting to say about Black/white relations?

(see the answer keys)

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