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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. Why is Silla not happy about Deighton's good news?

2. In Book 1, Chapter 3, what do Suggie and her date drink?

3. What does Miss Thompson do for a living?

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

5. How does Maritze react to Suggie's lovers staying over?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What event takes place in Book 3 that coincides with the beginning of World War II?

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

4. Why does Suggie drink rum and act so promiscuous?

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

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

7. How do Selina's daydreams about Barbados differ from her mother's memories?

8. Why does Selina think that babies are born by chopping the mother's stomach open?

9. In Book 1, why does Selina not want to wear the second-hand clothes that Silla has brought home?

10. Following his work injury, why does Deighton see no point in engaging in physical therapy to enable his injured arm back to full strength?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Think about the friendship theme in the book. Who are Selina's friends? Were some better friends than others? Who can Selina count on the most? Who will never give up on her? In the end, who acts in the purest, friendliest way toward her?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Religion and poverty are important issues in Brown Girl, Brownstones. How are the two tied together? Does religion impact any character's view or relationship with money? Does poverty prompt some of the characters to seek religion? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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