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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. What happened when Celestial saw a burglar robbing her apartment in Brooklyn when she first met Roy in New York?

2. From whom is the letter that Roy finds and reads in a box of his belongings from the garage in Part Three: "Generosity"?

3. What does Big Roy make for breakfast on the day that Roy is leaving to go to Atlanta in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

4. Where does Andre describe sleeping at Big Roy's house in Part Three: "Generosity"?

5. How long is the drive back to Eloe from the prison where Roy is released?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Roy returns home after leaving Davina's in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

2. Who is Tamar and what advice does she give to Roy?

3. How is Christmas Day described in Part Three: "Generosity"?

4. Where was Celestial when she met Roy in New York? How does she describe his company?

5. What does Celestial mean when she says that "Much of life is timing and circumstance" (138)?

6. How do Celestial and her father differ on their views of marriage?

7. What is the significance of the title of Part Three: "Generosity"?

8. What advice does Walter give to Roy before his release?

9. What is Roy's attitude when he first encounters Celestial in Atlanta in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

10. What is Andre's role in Olive's funeral? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of foreshadowing in An American Marriage. From the first pages of this novel, the reader becomes aware that there will be a setback to the happy marriage of Roy and Celestial. What clues indicate the events that will happen? How do these events play out?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Gloria and Olive in the novel. How are these mothers in the story similar? How are they different? Which character is the most empathetic? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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