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. For how long was Cudjo enslaved in Alabama?

2. What action does Hurston take when she sees Cudjo's face take on the qualities of a mask during one of their conversations?

3. Cudjo and Seely form an unofficial marriage with one another how long after they agree to wed?

4. Cudjo reports that the "colored folks" of what classification had picked on native Africans, calling them "ig'nant savage[s]" (68)?

5. Cudjo's late wife had the American name of Seely, but what does he report as the African name she had been given at birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instruction does Seely keep repeating to her son Cudjo when he is struggling to survive his wounds?

2. Describe a time when the sound motif appears within Cudjo's narrative.

3. What reason does Cudjo provide for not wanting Hurston to visit him on Saturdays?

4. What significant event occurred on March 12, 1902?

5. After deciding to stay in America, Cudjo and his countrymen and women adopt what type of organizational structure within their community?

6. What kind of work do Cudjo and his countrymen and women perform once they are free?

7. What is different about the start of Chapter VII entitled Slavery, in relation to its introduction?

8. In what way do dreams arise within Cudjo's comments to Hurston?

9. What action does Cudjo take against the railroad company and what is the result of that action?

10. What does Cudjo say about the way in which he and other Africans had been treated by black people born in America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What ultimate message is Hurston's book Barracoon sending about the nature and value of compassion?

Essay Topic 2

How do Cudjo and Zora Neale Hurston use sensory details in order to paint a vivid portrait of anecdotes and details outlined within the narrative of Barracoon? Discuss at least two scenes that include use of sensory details and pull quotes from these scenes to support your claim.

Essay Topic 3

How does the theme of deception arise within the text of Hurston's book Barracoon and what messages are sent about the presence of deception within the human condition?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,232 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample