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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 is another name for the Old Parents?

2. Where does Avey collapse in exhaustion after thinking about her denial of her people for so many years?

3. Who is Lebert's daughter?

4. Who do the old women on the boat remind Avey of?

5. How does Lebert prepare the circle for the dancers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Avey doing in Chapter 4 at the same time she was supposed to be flying back to America?

2. Of what did Avey live in denial during the 1960s and 1970s regarding her heritage?

3. What happens to Avey when she finally lets her true nature come to the forefront as she stands on the hotel room balcony?

4. Describe Avey's behavior on the beach.

5. Describe the awakening Avey, who is subconsciously preparing to reclaim her life, experiences.

6. In whose care had Avey been during the night of the boat trip to the island?

7. What did the preacher say was the purpose of the sermon about the risen Christ?

8. What is Lebert's interest in determining Avey's tribe?

9. How does Avey know she has come back to herself?

10. What is Juba and what might it mean for Avey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Renewal takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the novel Praisesong for the Widow? What other title could you suggest? State a reason to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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