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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. When Sister Moore asks if there's anyone who needs "the Lord's especial attention," who comes forward?

2. What is Brother Boxer looking for in the new Frigidaire?

3. Who does the pastor plan on seeing in Philadelphia?

4. How long has Luke been separated from his wife and son?

5. Who tries to talk with the pastor about nothing being wrong with Brother Boxer's job in Act I?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Act II, what does Brother Boxer say about what it cost him to go to Philadelphia when his wife was out of town?

2. Describe David as he enters the apartment in Act III.

3. What are the three women talking about at the beginning of the second act?

4. In Act II, Luke insists that he heard David playing piano one day during the week. How did he know?

5. What jazz musicians does David compare his father to after confessing to listening to his records in Act II?

6. David explains why he started playing piano in Act II. What was his explanation?

7. Why do Sister Boxer and Sister Moore come to church early in Act III?

8. What is Odessa referring to when she tells Margaret that everything will be like a bad dream. What else might she be referring to?

9. Why is Odessa so upset with the other church members in Act III?

10. Why does Margaret say "God don't like liars" in Act I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is used during "The Amen Corner." Baldwin makes a point of saying that Ida Jackson is "not dressed in white" in Act I and that Sisters Moore and Boxer are dressed in white in the final act. Discuss the use of and meaning of the color white.

Essay Topic 2

As pastor of a church, Margaret's ability to lead isn't questioned until Luke's return. In Act II, Brother Boxer even says, "She done forgot it ain't the woman supposed to lead, it's the man." What role does Margaret's marriage play in her ability to lead a church as pastor? Does her marriage make her less holy in the eyes of her congregation?

Essay Topic 3

The jazz music that Luke plays is viewed as sinful by Margaret and the church elders. When Margaret invites the Philadelphia church to their Harlem church, she tells church members that they will be bringing drums and a trumpet. These instruments, along with the piano that David plays in the church, are all prominent instruments in jazz. Compare and contrast jazz with the music in the church.

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