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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. Roy says in Part One: "Bridge Music," "If my childhood were a sandwich, there would be no" what (5)?

2. When does Andre say he was planning to propose to Celestial in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

3. What did Celestial dress the baby doll in that looked like Roy and that earned her an award?

4. After how long in prison is Roy's case finally overturned?

5. On what date did Roy and Celestial have their first date?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How would you characterize the early letters between Roy and Celestial in Part One: "Bridge Music"?

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

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

5. Why does Roy write to Mr. Banks in Part One: "Bridge Music"? What does Mr. Banks reply?

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

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

8. What surprising discovery does Roy write to Celestial about his cellmate Walter?

9. How does Andre justify his relationship with Celestial in his first monologue in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

10. Why do you think the author gives Andre his own first-person narrative?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the epistolary style employed in An American Marriage. Why does the author switch from direct-address narrative to letters? What information does the reader learn from these letters? How do the use of letters help illustrate the characters' circumstances?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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