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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. Who carved the piano legs at Sutter's request?

2. Doaker works for what type of transportation?

3. What problem continually plagues Boy Willie and Lyman as they attempt to sell their fruit?

4. What was Wining Boy's occupation while he was married?

5. Which character states that the law of the white man is meaningless, and he has created a new set of laws?

Short Essay Questions

1. What realization does Boy Willie make when he hears his heart beating as a "black man's heart"?

2. What kind of fight does Boy Willie get into with Sutter's ghost?

3. How does Berniece respond to Avery's question when he unexpectedly comes to visit?

4. Whose ghost does Berniece think that she sees, and what does it tell her?

5. What events have prompted Doaker to believe that Berniece should sell the piano as soon as possible?

6. What does Wining Boy reveal about Lymon's father and Wining Boy's relationship with Lymon's mother?

7. How did the piano come into the possession of the Charles family?

8. What trade was made between the Charles and Sutter families at Ophelia's request?

9. After his failed date, what gift does Lymon give to Berniece, and what is her response to the gesture?

10. What reaction does the family have to Boy Willie's sudden arrival at their doorstep?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The piano itself is arguably the strongest symbol in the entire play. Explain the history of the piano and briefly discuss why the physical structure of the piano can be seen as a symbol within the Charles family.

Essay Topic 2

There are many examples of prisons throughout this play, which are figurative, symbolic, and literal. Choose two examples of imprisonments that the characters find themselves in and compare/contrast the impact of the imprisonment in one of the character's lives. Briefly explain what that character does to fight against the various imprisonments in his or her life.

Essay Topic 3

The idea of supernatural beings within the Charles home is particularly strong in relation to Sutter's ghost.

Part 1. Give three examples of moments in which one or more members of the Charles family feels the presence of Sutter's spirit in their home.

Part 2. Briefly explain the reasons suggested for Sutter's stalking of the Charles family, and particularly, his spirit's apparent presence within the piano.

Part 3. Explain the various ways that members of the Charles family attempt to get rid of Sutter's spirit.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample