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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 does the overseer recommend in Chapter 6 in order for Francoise to get some needed cash?

2. What is Suzette's relationship to Palmire and Apphia?

3. To whom is Suzette nursemaid?

4. What do Clement and Philomene have permission to do?

5. What does Eugene Daurat do that many of his family do not?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Francoise arrange a marriage for Oreline?

2. How does Philomene feel about Narcisse's marriage?

3. What do Garasime and Elisabeth say about the slave auction?

4. What does Suzette ask Doralise concerning Gerant, and what is Doralise's reply?

5. What does Suzette pretend regarding Francoise, but what are Suzette's real feelings?

6. What does Suzette immediately do when Francoise dies?

7. What present is mentioned in Chapter 13 that Clement is making for Philomene?

8. What does Suzette say about her relationship to Eugene?

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

10. Why does Francoise chastise Elisabeth in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elisabeth urges Philomene to take what happiness she can find in life.

In what ways do the slaves find happiness in the system which controls and abuses them? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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