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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. At what age does Karintha become sexually active?

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

3. After finding no wounds in Carma, what does Bane do?

4. The poem "Evening Song" is an ode to whom?

5. Which celestial orb does the author use in "Evening Song" to describe Cloine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why might the author choose to use a dog as a metaphor for the soul in "Calling Jesus"?

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

3. What is the speaker asking of God in "Prayer"?

4. Describe the woman in the poem "Face".

5. Describe the procession of men leaving work as told in "Georgia Dusk."

6. How is the beehive described in "Beehive"?

7. What prevents the speaker from connecting with those around him in "Harvest Song"?

8. What does Paul want from Bona?

9. Why won't Muriel go with Dan?

10. What is Barlo's reaction to Esther when she is 29 and comes for him?

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

Much of "Cane" deals with race relations and the Black/white divide, but there are also many examples of segmentation within the Black community. Where do we see this happening in the book? Which characters experience being singled out or discriminated upon because of their skin tone? Who is doing this to them? How are their experiences similar/different?

Essay Topic 3

In "Cane," we see examples of both technology and nature. Where do we see both taking place? How are they portrayed? Does Toomer present one in a positive or negative light? Why might the comparison be made? Are they representative of anything?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample