View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book 3, what does Silla say that she will do to get what she wants?

2. What does Selina find out when she returns home that Monday evening after her father has cashed the check from the land sale?

3. When Suggie gives Selina some rum to drink in Book 2, what does she tell Selina that the rum will do to her?

4. Why is Book 2 called Pastorale?

5. In Book 3, what are the names of Silla's two friends who visit her to talk about church?

Short Essay Questions

1. Miss Thompson's roommate has three little girls, but it is Miss Thompson who cares for them. Why is that?

2. Why does Silla worry when Deighton does not return home with the money from the land sale?

3. Why is Selina uncomfortable in Book 2 when she sees the couple making out in the park ?

4. Deighton starts to believe in a cult-like religion. Which cult-like religion is it?

5. What wish does Selina make on her 15th birthday; and why does she regret it?

6. Beryl's father asks Selina about her own father, and then tells her that he is a disgrace. Why does that upset Selina so much?

7. How is the issue of racism introduced in Book 1?

8. What is Selina's relationship with her mother like?

9. In Book 2, Beryl thinks that babies just pop out easily. What misinformation does she have about menstruation?

10. In Book 1, Chapter 3, why is Maritze so annoyed with Suggie's romantic adventures?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Racism is one of the major themes in Brown Girl, Brownstones. Part 1: Discuss what you know about racism in the early 20th Century, and provide examples from the book that illustrate your points.

Part 2: Compare and contrast how Deighton, Silla, and Selina experience and react to racism.

Essay Topic 2

Literary critics and scholars differ in their views of whether an author's own life should be considered in the study of a piece of literature. What are your views on this question given what you know about Paule Marshall's life and the story she depicts in Brown Girl, Brownstones? Do you think that her own life is relevant? Or not? Can the book be appreciated for its own merits even if you are not familiar with any aspect of the author's life? Does knowing something about her life increase your understanding of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Family relationships are important to Selina, and all the characters in Brown Girl, Brownstones. Some relationships are better than others. Some seem one-sided. Each relationship affects Selina and her ultimate view of the world. Analyze the complex familial relationships that exist between: 1) Deighton and Silla; 2) Deighton and Selina; 3) Silla and Selina; and 4) Ina and Selina.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 851 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample