View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Philomene realize as she see Clement in Chapter 16?

2. How old is Emily when Valery leaves to join the war effort?

3. What does Emily admit concerning Elisabeth?

4. Why doesn't Narcisse join the regular army?

5. Who are Joseph and Josephine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who becomes ill in Chapter 18, and who takes care of them?

2. What does Emily do in Chapter 31 that seems to indicate her relationship with Joseph is serious?

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

4. What does Philomene ask Narcisse to do concerning Emily?

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

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

7. Why does Philomene send Bet to Joseph's store where Emily is working?

8. How do Ferrier's caregivers know he is close to dying of yellow fever in Chapter 17?

9. In Chapter 25, what does Yellow John say about Clement's fate?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Suzette at one point says that the only thing she got from Eugene was light-skinned children, and she sees this as a step toward a better life for her descendents than what she could otherwise give them.

Discuss the ways in which the system of slavery causes slaves to value lighter skin, especially in view of the fact that their oppressors are Caucasian. Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Cane River help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Cane River? Why or why not. Use examples from Cane River and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

Compare/contrast the characters of Philomene and Suzette. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Eugene and Narcisse. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample