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

2. Who is the notary that witnessed Roy's signing of the divorce papers?

3. Where does Davina say her father was headed before she was even five years old?

4. What does Roy cook for breakfast on Christmas day in Part Three: "Generosity"?

5. On what street did Celestial live in Brooklyn?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Roy know Davina Hardrick? How do they meet again?

2. What does the pear represent in the novel?

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

4. What chafes Roy about his release from prison?

5. How has Big Roy changed when he picks up Roy from prison?

6. Why did Olive and Big Roy never have more children?

7. What does Roy note about the first page of his family's Bible?

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

9. How do Big Roy and Roy "trick" Andre in Part Two: "Prepare a Table for Me"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Davina Hardrick in the novel. Where does Davina know Roy from? How do they reconnect? In what ways is Davina's character a foil to Celestial? Is Davina a protagonist or antagonist--or neither?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the themes of love and loss in An American Marriage. How does the author develop these themes through character, setting, and symbolism? What losses does Roy incur in the course of the novel? How does he cope with those losses?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 753 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample