This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 7: "Part Seven: Awakening" and "Epilogue: A World Without Caste".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "The Radicalization of the Dominant Caste," what is the purpose of mentioning the waiter's hair color?
(a) It implies that he is white.
(b) It implies that he should understand what it feels like to be in the minority.
(c) It creates a moment of humor in an otherwise tense scene.
(d) It demonstrates that Wilkerson is more observant than the waiter.

2. On page 287 of "Chapter Twenty-Two: The Stockholm Syndrome and the Survival of the Subordinate Class," what does Roxanne Gay say causes whites to "embrace narratives about forgiveness"?
(a) The urge to protect their caste privilege.
(b) Christianity.
(c) A subconscious sense of guilt for the wrongs of the past.
(d) A desire to pretend that the world is fair.

3. On page 12, Wilkerson says that some contagions can only be managed with "vigilance." How is she proposing they should be managed?
(a) With careful thoroughness.
(b) With constant watchfulness.
(c) With great speed.
(d) With brute force.

4. In "Chapter Twenty: The Inevitable Narcissism of Caste," what does Wilkerson say about whites who take time to consider the Black perspective?
(a) They are rare.
(b) They do not exist.
(c) They often refuse to act on their understanding.
(d) They are important allies.

5. In "Chapter Thirty-One: The Heart Is the Last Frontier," why does Wilkerson begin her story with the date?
(a) She is mimicking the structure of the source she is parodying.
(b) She wants to reader to understand the story in the context of Trump's election.
(c) She wants the reader to understand how recently the story occurred.
(d) She is alluding to a famous historical event that occurred on the same date.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Chapter Thirty-One: The Heart Is the Last Frontier," why does Wilkerson say "I was reliant on this man and others like him, now that I was both widowed and motherless" (371)?

2. Which leading Black intellectual corresponded with Bhimrao Ambedkar about race in America?

3. In "Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Symbols of Caste," what peaceful demonstrator is deliberately run over and killed in Charlottesville, Virginia?

4. What is the name of Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 study of race in America?

5. In "Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Symbols of Caste," what does Wilkerson say was the true purpose behind erecting Confederate monuments?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 470 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample