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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. Everyone tries to convince Margaret to stay to care for Luke instead of going out of town. What does she decide?

2. Before the curtain rises in the first act, there are street sounds including laughter, cursing, and a radio. What other sound is heard?

3. What nickname does Luke call his wife?

4. Who was out late the night before the church service in the first act?

5. What type of set is used in "The Amen Corner"?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Act III begins, what have Brother and Sister Boxer and Sister Moore been doing since Odessa last saw them?

2. What is David's fear of staying with his mother in Act III?

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

4. In Act I, we learn that Margaret will be leaving after the service to visit a sister church in Philadelphia. What is the purpose of her trip.

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

6. 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.

7. What does Act II tell you about Sister Sally?

8. What unholy things does Margaret preach against in Act I, and why are they unholy?

9. What do we know about Mrs. Jackson's baby by Act III?

10. Describe what you know about Sister Rice from Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The new refrigerator is mentioned throughout the play. In particular, Brother Boxer focuses on it, starting with "This ain't no icebox, this is a Frigidaire." What does the refrigerator symbolize?

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

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.

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