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 much does John already owe Dudley?

2. What can John and Dudley tell about Ann?

3. Who owns the brownstone where Grandma Wilhemina lives?

4. What is John's liquor of choice?

5. How can John's demeanor be described as he comes into the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario in which Al is killed and John is mortally wounded.

2. What warning does Mattie give Ann about Chips?

3. What does John read while sitting at the table?

4. Who is John Williams and what is his demeanor as he enters the play?

5. Why are the characters worried about John at the beginning of Act 3?

6. What is Mattie's perspective on death and what is her only concern at the moment?

7. Explain the source of John's deep regret in his life. How does Mattie respond to what he says?

8. Who is Chips and what is his demeanor as he enters the play?

9. What is Dudley's philosophy of medical practice and death?

10. What is the premise of THE RIVER NIGER?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Mattie. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

THE RIVER NIGER is a classic story of hardship and struggles. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Jeff, Ann and Dudley. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample