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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 does Deighton want to be called Brother Boyce after he has fallen in with Father Peace?

2. Which of the following does Ina state that she does not want?

3. What does Selina learn about racism because of her experience with Rachel Fine?

4. In Book 4, whom of the following does Selina spend a lot of time with despite that person having lost the ability to talk?

5. What does Selina feel that she can do at the end of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Selina seclude herself and refuse to go out following her father's death?

2. After Miss Mary dies, Selina dances and laughs with Suggie. What do those actions convey to Selina about herself?

3. What does Selina realize about herself upon going to a party at Beryl's house?

4. By Book 4, Chapter 4, Selina is growing up and going to college. What else is different in her life?

5. Why does Selina finally leave Clive?

6. How does Selina surprise herself when she meets Clive?

7. Why does Clive warn Selina against joining the Modern Dance Club?

8. What does Clive's relationship with his mother teach Selina about her own relationship with her mother?

9. What does Mrs. Benton think about Selina?

10. Why does Miss Thompson tell Selina the story of how her foot became ulcerated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Silla and Selina have a volatile relationship. Describe and analyze the changes that take place in their relationship over time. In what way(s) does Selina evolve into a person like her mother? Different from her mother? Does she embody more of Silla's negative characteristics, or more of her positive characteristics? Do you think that Selina surpasses her mother in character? Why or why not? Support your position with statements from the novel.

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

How does the Greek myth of Iphigenia relate to this novel? What does Selina think about her future that is similar to that of Iphigenia? Does Selina's future turn out like that of Iphigenia; or does it turn out in a different way? Why does the author include that reference?

(see the answer keys)

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