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. Whose bedroom is mentioned from the beginning of Act I?

2. Who is in his grave, according to Sister Boxer in the first act?

3. How did Luke know where to find Margaret?

4. Where is the pastor planning on going after the church service in Act 1?

5. What is located stage left in "The Amen Corner"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the church in "The Amen Corner."

2. In Act II, what is Margaret's position about music in the church?

3. What does Sister Sally have to say in Act II about traveling to Philadelphia?

4. Why does Odessa refer to Sister Moore as "poor Sister Moore" in Act III?

5. Margaret refuses to cancel her trip to Philadelphia even when it's obvious that Luke is ill. What is her reasoning?

6. In Act III, why is Brother Boxer disgusted with Margaret?

7. Why does Margaret want to take David with her to Philadelphia?

8. Explain the layout of Sister Margaret Alexander's home and the church and their relationship to each other in this play. Be sure to define any theatrical terms.

9. Odessa tries to convince Margaret to return to church in Act III and win back her congregation, but Margaret says she can't. Why?

10. How does David look when he first appears in Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

David is presented with a choice, to be religious and work in the church like his mother, or to play music and be sinful like his father. Are these David's only choices in life? Sum up David's dilemma in your own words and explain what you think he should do.

Essay Topic 2

In speaking to Ida Jackson in the first act, Margaret says, "Maybe the Lord wants you to leave that man." Why do you think Margaret says this? Is she comparing Ida Jackson's situation to her own? Do you think Margaret is suggesting that God is making the baby sick to send a message? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Hymns are used throughout "The Amen Corner." When the church elders begin plans to remove Margaret from the pulpit, Sister Moore sings "You can run on for a long time, I tell you the great God Almighty gonna cut you down." Discuss the role of music in "The Amen Corner."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample