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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 Celestial began making sock dolls, they were donated to what hospital to comfort crack babies?

2. What does Roy refer to as the two cards that you keep in a hand of poker in Part One: "Bridge Music"?

3. By what name does Roy refer to his father?

4. How many times does Celestial's father say he proposed to his wife before she said yes?

5. What dessert had Celestial promised to bring to Thanksgiving dinner for her father?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Roy describe Walter when he first becomes his cell mate?

2. How does Andre describe his feelings for Celestial in high school?

3. Where is Roy from? How is this setting described?

4. What is Mr. D's response to Roy's letter in Part One: "Bridge Music"?

5. How would you describe the relationship between Roy's parents and Celestial?

6. What does Celestial's baby doll in the prison outfit symbolize?

7. What is revealed to the reader through the epistolary form in Part One: "Bridge Music"?

8. What does Roy write to inform Celestial five years after he has been incarcerated?

9. Describe Celestial's "Dear John" letter. When does she send it?

10. How does Roy describe Celestial's art? What does she create?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the legal aspects of An American Marriage. Under what circumstances is Roy found guilty? What evidence is presented at Roy's trial? How does Roy go about winning his appeal?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters or Franklin Davenport and Carlos in the novel. What does fatherhood mean to each of these characters? Do you think these characters are strong fathers? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character or Andre in An American Marriage. For how long has Andre known Celestial and Roy? Where did Andre study and what does he do? What characteristics set Andre apart in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

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