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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 hear after she returns to her ironing after Reva left?

2. What does Sue tell the sheriff?

3. What does Sue realize about Johnny-Boy?

4. What is Sue doing when she realizes someone is in her house?

5. What does Sue feel strongly about Johnny-Boy while Reva is there?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Of what is Sue certain after she hears what Booker says about the sheriff?

4. What is Sue doing when she realizes someone is in her house and what does she know about it?

5. What opinion does Sue express to her son about his work?

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

7. How does Sue see Booker when she comes to after the sheriff's beating?

8. How does Sue feel about facing down the sheriff and what does she do?

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

10. What happens to Sue first in the kitchen when she confronts who is in her house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Sue finally decides to go to the woods with a white sheet to retrieve her son's body.

1. What do you think the white sheet symbolizes in the story?

2. How do you think your mother or father would react in Sue's situation?

3. Why do you think Sue believes her son is dead? Does it seem morbid for a mother to go find her son with a sheet to wrap around his body? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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