View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Bigger sign the ransom note he has written to Mr. Dalton?

2. In book two when Bigger finally falls asleep after hearing Peggy and Mrs. Dalton talking about Mary, what does he recall in his dream?

3. Why does Mr. Dalton refuse to have Jan Erlone picked up by the police for questioning?

4. What happens when Bigger climbs another ledge on the rooftop and beings crawling away?

5. How do the police finally catch Bigger?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although Bigger was very quick with his deceit and able to think on his feet, so to speak, in what way was he becoming his own worst enemy?

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

3. What deterred the Daltons from being excessively concerned when they found Mary wasn't in the house the morning after she was murdered?

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

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

6. How did Bigger feel about killing Bessie?

7. In Book two, what does Bigger do at the drug store?

8. Bigger was very much interested in reading about himself in the newspapers. Of what significance was this?

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

10. What things made the Daltons begin to worry about their daughter being gone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the very end of the story Max is upset when Bigger comes to the conclusion that it must have been good that he killed. In an essay explain Bigger's reasoning and how he came to that conclusion. Also explain what Max is trying to make Bigger understand after he comes to this conclusion. Why might the two men have different views on this subject?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the way the author, Richard Wright wrote this story, demonstrates both sides of the "nature versus nurture" theory. This is particularly strong when Max testifies to the court about Bigger's life. In the essay describe various parts of the story and how they reinforce both aspects of the theory.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample