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. Who stands up to Celestial's father at the Thanksgiving table?

2. In a letter to Roy in Part One: "Bridge Music," Celestial says that maybe innocence is what (41)?

3. Who played the piano at Roy and Celestial's wedding?

4. What is the name of the parish where Roy's parents live?

5. Where did Roy and Celestial go on their honeymoon?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happened on Roy and Celestial's first anniversary?

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

4. Where is Celestial from? How is this setting described?

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

6. What is the inciting event in An American Marriage?

7. How is Olive's illness and death described?

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

9. What does an epistolary novel refer to? What are the benefits of epistolary style?

10. Why does Roy write to "Mr. D" in Part One: "Bridge Music"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the element of setting in An American Marriage. Why is the setting of this story important? Could this novel take place anywhere else? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the symbolism of Old Hickey in the novel. What does the tree represent to Celestial? What does it represent to Andre? Why does Roy attempt to destroy the tree?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample