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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. How did the townspeople know that Becky was alive?

2. Who is the "son" in the "Song of the Son"?

3. What do all of the men in Karintha's life want to bring her?

4. When she is nine years old, by whom does Esther become entranced?

5. What is the main fault of the Christian god in "Conversion"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Fern do with her days?

2. According to Helen, why are girls fascinated with Paul?

3. Discuss the visual and social contrasts that the author sets up between Black Seventh Street and the rest of white Washington.

4. What does the fieldmouse represent in the poem, "Reapers"?

5. How does Dorris feel about the theater manager's brother, John?

6. Describe Muriel's physical appearance at the theater.

7. Why might the author have used electrical imagery to describe the woman in "Her Lips are Copper Wire"?

8. What seems to be the overall emotional impression of the woman described in "Face"?

9. How does the author describe both the African and Christian God in "Conversion"?

10. What effect does the smoke have on Karintha's surroundings the day that she gives birth to her child?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Temptation and the wrath of God are common themes examined in "Cane". Using at least three examples, where do we see these themes playing out? What are characters tempted by, and how do they deal with these temptations? What is the anticipated or seen reaction of God?

Essay Topic 2

Childbirth is a recurring event in "Cane." Discuss how pregnancy and childbirth are viewed by the communities presented in "Cane". How are children treated? How are mothers treated? What situations do we see that are similar, and how are they resolved?

Essay Topic 3

The redemptive nature of Christianity is a major theme in "Cane". How do we see redemption being played out in both the stories and poems of "Cane"? From what and how are characters redeemed? Is the God that Toomer presents a vengeful or forgiving God?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 769 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample