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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. In "The Third Pillar: Endogamy and the Control of Marriage and Mating," what does Wilkerson imply was the reason for the prosecution of Hugh Davis?

2. Where does the word "caste" come from?

3. In "Pillar Number Six: Dehumanization and Stigma," what is the best definition of the word "stigma"?

4. What departure from legal precedent was made in the Virginia Assembly's decision that the children of enslaved women should also be considered slaves?

5. In "Chapter Six: The Measure of Humanity," what does Wilkerson say human-genome testing has revealed about race?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to "A Long-Running Play and the Emergence of Caste in America," what was the original justification for lifetime enslavement, and how did that justification need to change as circumstances changed?

2. What is the rhetorical purpose of stressing the length of time that slavery existed in America?

3. To what cause does Wilkerson ascribe the election of Donald Trump?

4. Explain the titular analogy in "An Old House and an Infrared Light."

5. According to Wilkerson, how did slavery create the conditions for American stereotypes about Black people?

6. In "Pillar Number Eight: Inherent Superiority versus Inherent Inferiority," what does Wilkerson say underlies each of the first seven "pillars" she has already described?

7. In "Pillar Number Six: Dehumanization and Stigma," what similarities does Wilkerson see between the treatment of Blacks in the time of slavery and Jews entering Nazi camps?

8. How does Wilkerson explain the differences between race and caste?

9. What explanation does Wilkerson give of the origins of caste in Hindu scriptures in "Pillar Number One: Divine Will and the Laws of Nature"?

10. What is the rhetorical purpose of Wilkerson telling the story about the man who refuses to believe that she works for the New York Times?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that defends, refutes, or qualifies the following claim: because of the systemic racism aimed at Native American peoples, they should be included in Wilkerson's discussion of the "lowest caste." Note: Unless you have a PhD in Native American history, you will need to make thorough use of high-quality sources on the subject as you make this argument. Use textual support to defend your claims, and be sure to cite all sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 2

Write an argument of definition in which you evaluate Wilkerson's definition of caste as you make a case for your own definition. Offer textual evidence for your claims, and be sure to cite all sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 3

Write your own argument of definition. You may write on any topic you choose, as long as you create a tenable thesis. Be sure to cite any sources in MLA format.

(see the answer keys)

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