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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 does Sue need to do with the clothes in the zinc wash tub?

2. What does Sue see one of the men in her house do?

3. Where is Johnny-Boy at the beginning of the story?

4. How did life seem to Sue after one of her sons went to jail?

5. Why did Reva come to see Sue?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who comes into the house and what does she say?

2. How did life feel to Sue after Sug was arrested?

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

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

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

6. What does Booker do when Sue recognizes him?

7. What does Booker tell Sue as she struggles to her feet?

8. What does Sue tell Booker eventually and how does she feel about it?

9. What does Sue first think she should do?

10. What kind of work does Sue start to do after looking out the window? What does she wish for as she works?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While it may seem inconceivable for a mother to stand by and watch her son be tortured, Sue knows that the emotional pain her son would feel if the other members of the party were seized would be far greater. And so, out of love for her son, she stands quietly by and does not respond to the sheriff's demands.

1. Do you think Sue was right or wrong to worry about her son's emotional pain? Why or why not?

2. How does Sue demonstrate her strength as she stands by while her son is tortured?

3. Do you think you could have done what Sue did? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

When Sue tells one of the men that she is sure her son will eventually be killed, the man tells her that his life can be spared if he gives them the names of his comrades. Sue replies that she knows her son will not do this and so she is prepared for his death.

1. How did you respond to Sue's handling of this part of the situation?

2. Do you think this behavior on Sue's part is realistic in the real world? Why or why not?

3. If your child's life was at stake what would you do in Sue's position?

Essay Topic 3

"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.

(see the answer keys)

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