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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. What happens when the first police officer comes through the trap door to the rooftop?

2. After Bigger leaves Bessie and returns to the Dalton's house what does Peggy tell him to do and why?

3. What does the white cat do while Bigger is being questioned by the police and reporters?

4. After he recalls killing Mary Dalton, what did Bigger realize he left in plain sight of his mother and his siblings?

5. What happens when Britten backs Bigger against the wall and grabs his collar asking him about the pamphlets Jan Erlone gave him?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Bigger arrived at the Dalton home on the morning after Mary's murder how was he feeling?

2. The morning after Mary's killing, as Bigger rode the street car on his way back to the Dalton house, he spent a lot of time reflecting on the plight of black people. Explain what Bigger thought would be a solution to their fear and shame.

3. What was the argument Bigger had with his family as he tried to pack his things the day after Mary's death?

4. What was Bessie's reaction when Bigger arrived at her apartment the morning after the murder of Mary?

5. In what ways was Bigger's capture similar to the opening of the book when Bigger chased, eventually killing the rat?

6. What did Bigger's brother, Buddy, have to say to him?

7. When Bigger awoke in the morning after Mary's death, what happened when he remembered what he had done the night before?

8. Why did Bigger decide to try to blame Jan and the Communist Party for the kidnapping?

9. What is the one problem Bigger feels he has to do before he will be okay?

10. What was Bigger's fatal mistake in his plan to dispose of Mary's body?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fear, Flight and Fate Themes:

Write an essay about the way each of these themes were demonstrated in the story. Did any of them intertwine? If so, when/how?

Essay Topic 2

There are places in the story where Bigger demonstrates a keen ability to visualize a situation ahead of time to evaluate the outcomes. Was this an advantage or disadvantage to him in the story? Give examples in the essay.

Essay Topic 3

Use of Actual Historical Events:

The author of this novel, Richard Wright, used actual historical events in the novel to bring more life to the story and to aid in his plot. In particular he mentioned the Scottsboro Boys and the Leob and Leopold Case. Write an essay about these cases and how they fit into the novel. Add any additional points used that were from real historical events.

(see the answer keys)

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