A Lesson before Dying Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

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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 Jefferson does not eat, what does Grant pick up and eat?

2. Who is the superintendent of schools?

3. What does Miss Emma want Grant to help Jefferson know before he is executed?

4. What is searched before Miss Emma and Grant go to Jefferson's cell?

5. Who is the young African American man at the center of the trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vivian's husband want in the terms of the divorce?

2. Who is the person who gets into trouble when offered a ride to the White Rabbit Bar and Lounge?

3. What does Grant think about heaven and what happens after you die?

4. What does Grant offer to bring to Jefferson?

5. When Miss Emma asks Tante Lou why God hates her, what does Reverend Ambrose tell Miss Emma?

6. What does Grant tell Jefferson about the execution?

7. What does Grant urge Jefferson to do in order to make liars of the white bigots?

8. When Grant sees the deliverymen joking with each other like his students do, what does he wonder?

9. What does Bonin tell Grant about Bonin's relationship with Jefferson?

10. Why was Vivian shunned in Free LaCove?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of this novel, the narrator is unknown to the reader. Why do you think this was done? Do you think this added to or took away from the manuscript? When the reader finds out that the narrator is Grant Wiggins, does this change the perception of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Grant's teacher Michael Antoine is a fascinating character, even if he's only mentioned in passing. He believes that his skin color makes him better than other African Americans, which seems to be contradictory to the overall fight of racism. After all, believing that your color makes you better is in direct opposition to the idea of creating equality. Why do you think that Antoine believes what he does? Do you think it would help him in his life? How do you think this has affected Grant in his life? What kind of example does this provide for Grant and thus for his students?

Essay Topic 3

The word 'hog' is brought up at several points during this story, in reference to Jefferson's trial. Why do you think Jefferson was so upset by this name? Do you think his reactions are warranted or do you think he could have brushed this off more easily? Is his age a factor in his reactions? Why or why not?

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