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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. Which of the professions is not mentioned by Bessie when she talks about blacks being the backbone of the country?

2. Nanny stood up to a woman for calling her ____, a common insult at the time.

3. The sisters felt that going to the doctor would benefit them little and that they would most likely be treated like a _____.

4. What was the name of the little girl in the next bed?

5. Bessie threw a fit when she realized that one of Sadie's other rooms was infested with which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. The living arrangements for the sisters were somewhat unusual considering their respective ages. What was the arrangement?

2. Where did Henry and Nanny meet? What was unusual about their wedding?

3. What does the author say about Sadie and Bessie in regards to their age and view of history?

4. What prevented people from harassing Nanny's grandparents? What major issue occurred after the death of Mr. Miliam?

5. Discuss the wedding of Henry and Nanny Delany.

6. Examine Henry's offer to go to college. When did it occur? What concessions would Henry have to make?

7. The book details the history of Nanny Logan Delany's family. What was unusual about the family dynamic?

8. What two major events were the death knells of Jim Crow?

9. What is the reputation Bessie created for herself? What does Bessie think will happen to her when she dies?

10. What was the reaction of many slaves when slavery ended? What did the slaves do upon being freed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Bessie's dental practice. Although Bessie was a strong business woman, she also paid heed to her Episcopal upbringing. Discuss how Bessie honored her parents and her religion through her work. What kinds of services did Bessie offer to the locals? What did she receive in return? Do you think Bessie made good business decisions?

Essay Topic 2

Interracial relationships were not common in the late 1800s. Examine the relationship between Mr. Miliam and Nanny's mother. What were the specifics of the relationship? Was Nanny treated differently because her father was a white man? Did Miliam's wealth have anything to do with the level of acceptance in the relationship? Why was the couple never married? How might the same relationship be viewed today? How did the relationship affect Miliam's inheritance to Nanny and the children? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Even at their advanced ages Bessie and Sadie are completely independent. The sisters say that many people do not believe that they do not have a maid or helpers of any kind. Explain why people are so surprised at the sisters' level of independence. Do you think they could handle any situation that would arise at their home? Who helped with outside chores such as banking and grocery shopping? How were the neighbors involved in the sisters' lives?

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