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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. When does Sue shut the door after Johnny-Boy leaves?

2. What does Sue tell Johnny-Boy about Reva?

3. What happens when Johnny-Boy dozes off?

4. What does Sue say to the people in her house?

5. What does Sue do after she shuts the door?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Booker do when Sue recognizes him?

2. What does Sue do about the admonishment from the men and what does the sheriff ask her?

3. What does Reva do and what does she ask Sue?

4. What is the first thing the men do to Johnny-Boy after Sue arrives and why?

5. What does Sue realize about Johnny-Boy and his work?

6. How do the other men with the sheriff respond to what she says to him?

7. How does Sue react to Reva's thoughts on the situation?

8. What does the sheriff do when Sue doesn't respond to his second request?

9. What does the sheriff ask her about the meeting and what does he threaten?

10. What does Sue do after Reva leaves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As we have suspected from nearly the beginning of the story, Johnny-Boy is killed. The death of Sue, on the other hand, comes as a bit of a surprise.

1. Were you surprised when Sue was killed? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Sue's death was foreshadowed in the story? Why or why not? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

3. Do you think the death of Sue and her son could have happened in the present time? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

"Bright & Morning Star" is a short story that explores the complex themes of racism and the wide reaches of a mother's love for her children.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

2. Compare the use of themes in this text with another story that you have read this year.

3. What other themes do you think might be used in this story? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Sue's life thus far has been punctuated by untimely losses; the tragic death of her mother, the untimely death of her husband and Sug's recent incarceration have all combined to essentially strip away everyone that is important to her, except Johnny-Boy.

1. What do you think would be the normal reaction to so much loss in life? Use examples support your answer.

2. Thinking about your life, your parents, siblings and friends, how would your life change if you had lost at least three of those people?

3. Discuss a death you have had in your life or in the life of someone you know.

(see the answer keys)

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