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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. The pine needles are so quiet in "Nullo" that which animal does not even hear their falling?

3. In "Conversion", how is the Christian god physically described?

4. To what does the speaker compare another birth in the family line in "Song of the Son"?

5. Which alcohol does the African god drink in "Conversion"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Becky treated after it is found that she is pregnant with a black man's child?

3. According to the poem "Cotton Song," what must a man do in order to be judged kindly on Judgment Day?

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

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

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

7. Why might the author use the formatting device of scripting the characters' thoughts in "Theater"?

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

9. What is Bob Stone's prime objection to a relationship between Louisa and Tom?

10. Why might Toomer have chosen to end with the image of light upon Father John and Carrie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Toomer includes many examples of interracial relationships within "Cane." Using at least two examples, discuss the author's feelings on said relationships. How are interracial couples treated at the time by society? What adversities do they face, and how do they deal with these?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of love is often explored in "Cane". Write an essay using at least three examples answering the following: Where do we see love depicted in "Cane"? Who is the love shared by? Rejected by? How are these stories different? Similar?

(see the answer keys)

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