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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. Who goes to Elisabeth after having a "glimpsing"?

2. What is one thing the slaves receive for Christmas in Chapter 3?

3. What does Philomene ask Suzette concerning Narcisse?

4. What is returned to Tessier that keeps him from selling Clement to Narcisse?

5. With whom is Philomene in love in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. What remark does Suzette make concerning Doralise's relationship with Eugene?

2. What does Joseph Ferrier agree to do after Suzette talks to Oreline in Chapter 14?

3. What does Philomene say about her own light skin?

4. What does Philomene say to Clement in Chapter 12 when he tells her he traveled by boat to visit her?

5. What does Elisabeth urge Philomene to tell Clement?

6. What does the overseer announce to Francoise one day?

7. What do the slaves receive for Christmas?

8. Of what is Philomene aware concerning her emerging womanhood?

9. Why does Suzette steal some eggs and take them to Palmire?

10. What does Oreline say upon learning of Suzette's pregnancy, and what is Suzette's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Narcisse tells Philomene that she needs "a man who could protect her." Philomene is unimpressed with the argument, saying that the only thing she actually needs protection from is slavery and that Narcisse isn't going to do that.

What are some of the ways in which Narcisse does protect Philomene, and why do you think he never freed her? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than an action-driven plot, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character are developed to the same degree? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Cane River is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Cane River belongs to the historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

Define the literary term "genre" and name three other genres in addition to the historical fiction genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of assigning a genre to a novel? What do you think is the difference between a historical fiction and a science fiction novel or a mystery?

(see the answer keys)

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