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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 brand vehicle does Andre drive?

2. Where does Roy run into Davina when he is buying flowers for his mother's grave?

3. What bar did Celestial and Andre go to after Olive's funeral?

4. How has Celestial's hair changed in Part Three: "Generosity"?

5. What does Roy describe the name of his potential son?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What do condoms represent symbolically in the novel?

8. What happens in the climax of the novel?

9. How does Roy describe his first experience in Brooklyn with Celestial?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of betrayal in An American Marriage. What characters betray one another? Why? Do you think their betrayals are justified? Why or why not?

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