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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 is one thing "these ladies know how to do" according to Tyrone in his commentary of "El Noche"?

2. Diondra says that she likes drawing portraits in what medium in "Diondra Jordan"?

3. What does Devon write is "the only box I belong in" in the poem "BlacK Box"?

4. What name does Devon claim everyone calls him in "Devon Hope"?

5. Who does Judianne say she has "a thing for" in "Judianne Alexander"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What motivations drive the character of Raul?

2. What do Janelle and Judianne represent archetypically in the narrative? How are they alike?

3. How do Wesley's actions contribute to the establishment of Open Mike Fridays?

4. How does Judianne describe herself in "Judianne Alexander"?

5. How does Tyrone describe his life in "Tyrone Bittings"?

6. How does Gloria describe her life in "Gloria Martinez"?

7. What commentary does Tyrone contribute after Lupe reads "El Noche"?

8. How does Lupe describe her home life in "Lupe"? What is the poem "Brown Hands" about?

9. How does Janelle feel about performing poetry? What takes place when the students perform?

10. What led to Chankara's bruises in "Chankara Troupe"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the metaphors, similes and structural elements in the poem "Inside." What metaphor does Janelle use to describe her body?

Essay Topic 2

Identify and analyze alliteration and assonance in "Message to a Friend." How do these techniques create an aesthetic sound to the work?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the characters of Wesley and Tyrone and discuss the narrative style of the novel. How does the author distinguish between the different voices in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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