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. Who or what does Harriet feel she will be turning her back on by following Randolph's plan for her freedom?

2. What does Sally tell Harriet is none of her concern in May 1820, Two Days Later?

3. According to Mammy Ursula, why didn't Sally take her freedom when it was offered?

4. Who does Martha wish would drink himself to death?

5. How does Jefferson say Harriet will get her freedom if he dies before she turns 21?

Short Essay Questions

1. If Harriet chooses to stay at the plantation, what will the overseer force her to do and why?

2. Why does Martha complain about the Hemings family?

3. In April 1820, why does Harriet say she's afraid to accept her freedom?

4. Why is it unusual that Harriet, a slave, is allowed to use Jefferson's library?

5. What is Mammy Ursula's job on the plantation?

6. Following the attack on Harriet by Bankhead, what is Harriet afraid the overseer will do?

7. What does Jefferson promise Harriet in return for not telling anyone that he didn't punish her for sneaking into his rooms?

8. What answer does Harriet give Randolph when he asks her what she considers herself to be?

9. If Harriet stays at Monticello and Jefferson dies, Thruston says the slaves will all be sold to pay Jefferson's debt. What is Thruston's concern for Harriet if this should happen?

10. Why does Mammy Ursula think Harriet should take her freedom even if she doesn't want it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harriet's brother Tom left the plantation before the story began. Initially, the reader is told he ran away and that's why no one talks about him. Later we learn that he is living as a white man with a wife and children. What does Tom represent in this novel? Does he represent an acceptance of passing for white or anger at the idea of passing for white?

Essay Topic 2

Harriet tells Beverly that by passing for white, she is not turning her back on her family and her heritage, she is merely embracing her other half. What does she mean by this? Can she ever truly embrace her white side without turning her back on her black side? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Wolf by the Ears is considered a historical novel. What is a historical novel? How does this particular work fit into this genre?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample