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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 is the main goal Philomene and Oreline have while Valery is gone?

2. What happens to Philomene when she is ill?

3. What is the result of Oreline and Philomene being left alone on the farm?

4. Why does Joseph move Emily to a house that is isolated on a tract of land?

5. How do Augustine's letters change over a six-month period?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 31, what does narration say about Joseph's life so far?

2. What does Narcisse say he worries about concerning Emily?

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

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

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

6. How does Philomene feel about the lives of her family?

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

8. What does Angelite say about a young man who is interested in marrying her?

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

10. What does Emily admit to Bet about Emily's feelings concerning Elisabeth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Emily takes a piece of advice from Bet, to stop and listen to what the older women of the family are saying in order to gain insight into their lives. It's advice that Emily will take seriously.

What do you think is the value of Emily listening to the older women about their lives? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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