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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 Emily admit concerning Elisabeth?

2. Upon whose largesse does Philomene say her family depends?

3. What does Joseph ask Philomene to give him?

4. What last name does Elisabeth choose?

5. Why does Suzette return to Oreline's homestead?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Narcisse, Antoine Morat and Joseph Ferrier who come to visit Joseph tell him?

2. In Chapter 19, what does Elisabeth say about Philomene's visions, and how does Philomene plan to use them on Narcisse?

3. In Chapter 31, what does Joseph request from Philomene concerning Emily?

4. In Chapter 27, what does Narcisse say Emily is to do concerning her education?

5. What does Philomene name her daughter by Narcisse, and what does she say about the daughter?

6. What is the argument between Oreline and Philomene about who owes whom in Chapter 24?

7. Why does Narcisse begin to hoard money and food?

8. What do the Union armies start doing, and what is Philomene's response?

9. Describe Elisabeth's encounter with a census taker.

10. What does Narcisse tell Oreline has to be done after Ferrier's death concerning the slaves and what does she decide about Clement?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On the day of her confirmation, Suzette seems to realize that her dreams are all for nothing without consent. She tells her mother that she wants a church wedding at St. Augustine when she marries. She then acknowledges that it doesn't matter what she wants and that her owners will make those decisions for her.

Discuss Suzette’s life with the implications of having no control over any aspect of her life. Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about what they know, and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Lalita Tademy. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Tademy's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Tademy's probable agenda concerning that idea.

Essay Topic 3

Emily's reaction to Joseph's decision to move her out is a testament of her determination and pride. She insists that the children dress in their best clothing and she shows no sign of anger to the men who are moving her possessions.

Do you think Emily’s behavior is healthy or is it another indication of being oppressed? Why or why not? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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