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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. Who does Sue think is responsible for telling the sheriff about the meeting?

2. What does Sue do when Johnny-Boy gets ready to leave the house?

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

4. What made Sue feel anxious and worried at the beginning of the story?

5. What did Sue begin to think the Communist Party's beginnings were like?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sue respond to Johnny-Boy's defense?

2. What is the weather like in the beginning of this story and what is Sue thinking about as she looks out the window?

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

4. What does Sue first think she should do?

5. What does Sue think about her sons?

6. What happens as Sue rises to her feet?

7. What happens with Sue soon after the sheriff left?

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

9. What do the men do after Sue shoots her gun and how does she feel in the end?

10. How does Reva feel about Sue's answers to her questions?

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

As the crowbar breaks his legs, Johnny-Boy turns his face away from his mother. A few moments later, he turns back to her and asks her to leave.

1. Why do you think Johnny-Boy turned his face away from his mother?

2. Why do you think Johnny-Boy asks Sue to leave?

3. Do you think Sue should have done as her son asked? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

When Sue wakes up with the realization that someone is in her house she goes to the kitchen. The sheriff approaches and tells Sue that he is there to help her.

1. Given the era and setting of this story do you think it is likely the sheriff is telling the truth? Why or why not? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

2. Do you think that most officers of the law are honest, good people? Why or why not? Use examples from your life or knowledge to support your answer.

3. If you woke in the middle of the night and people were in your house, what would you do? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 902 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample