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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 aspect of Griffin's portrayal of a black man does Sterling tell Griffin to work on?

2. At the start of the book, how can Griffin's point of view be best described?

3. Which of these is a job that Griffin unsuccessfully tries to get at the beginning of the third section of the book?

4. What sparks Griffin's questions about race?

5. Which of these do Griffin and Mr. Gayle say is a step toward equality?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is J.P. Guillory confused when he hears Griffin's name?

2. What makes Griffin decide to become a black man?

3. According to Griffin and Mr. Gayle, what is the first step whites believe would threaten the survival of the white race?

4. How do A. L. Davis and Mr. Gayle feel about Griffin's views about "the problem" of blacks?

5. Describe Griffin's experience when he tries to sit on a bench in Jackson Square.

6. How does Griffin's story-telling change from the beginning of this section to the end of this section?

7. Describe Griffin's skin treatments in New Orleans.

8. Why does the white woman yell at Griffin on the bus to Canal Street?

9. What do Griffin and Mr. Gayle say about equality in the job market?

10. Describe how Griffin feels when he leaves his hotel at the beginning of the second section.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following major characters and explain their role in the book. How is Griffin affected by this person? How would you characterize this person? Come to a conclusion about how the character advanced the book as a whole. Characters to choose from: Sterling Williams, Christophe, George Levitan, P.D. East.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Griffin chose the title, Black Like Me? What connotation does this title have? After reading the book, analyze Griffin's choice using supporting examples from the text. Extra credit: Suggest and explain a different title for the book.

Essay Topic 3

Explain what Griffin means by the two main types of discrimination blacks face. Use examples from the text to show the differences between the two, and to show how Griffin observes both of these types of discrimination. Which is more dominant?

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This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample