The River Niger | Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. What is the premise of THE RIVER NIGER?

THE RIVER NIGER is Joseph A. Walker's play about a black family living in the 1970s in Harlem, New York. The plot line reveals the themes of the struggles and the pre-determined roles of black men in America.

2. How does the play begin and who is the first character to appear?

As the play opens, it is 4:30 on a February afternoon in a brownstone in Harlem. As the lights go up on a set revealing a large living room and kitchen, an old woman, Grandma Wilhemina Brown, pours coffee into a big mug. After adding some cream and sugar, Grandma looks around furtively. Realizing that she is alone, she retrieves a bottle of whiskey from a kitchen cabinet and pours a healthy amount into her coffee mug.

3. Who is John Williams...
(read more)