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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 word does Ruth use for avocadoes?

2. What is Francis's mother most disappointed about regarding Francis?

3. What does Ruth do on one occasion to try to contact Francis after his death?

4. What does Mrs. Henry do for a living?

5. How had Francis acted after seeing Anton get shot?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of reputation does Francis have in the neighborhood regarding sex and love?

2. What kind of future does Aisha seem prepared for in Part II?

3. What does Aisha do to the police car in Part II, and how does Michael react?

4. Why is Michael concerned that Aisha saw him and Michael being brought home by the police in Part II?

5. Why is it awkward for Aisha to stay with Michael when she visits?

6. How did Francis and Michael feel about Trinidad, their mother's place of birth, growing up?

7. Why does Aisha want to plan a get-together, and what is Michael's reaction?

8. What remains in Michael's bedroom that is a constant reminder of Francis for him?

9. What is the most significant source of tension between Francis and his mother?

10. What are some things Michael and Francis often did as children when Ruth was working that Ruth had told them not to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When and how does Michael first become aware that Francis and Jelly are engaged in a romantic relationship with each other? What is his reaction and feelings about Francis and Jelly being a couple? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What is the dynamic between the police, in general, and the Black youth of the Park throughout the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing the tone and language Chariandy uses in this novel through his narrator, Michael.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 705 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample