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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What types of event does the character in the play describe at the start of Poem Eight?

2. Who does the narrator in Poem Fifteen suggest that black women should act like?

3. How many kids do the main character and Beau have in Poem Nineteen?

4. Which character narrates Poem Eleven?

5. What does Beau do differently in his last attempt to win the main character back in Poem Nineteen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrator describes a number of relationships in this play. How does she portray these relationships? Why does she portray them this way? What is significant about these relationships? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Shange choose not to name the characters? What is the significance of not naming the characters? How would naming the characters change the dynamics of the play? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

How does the playwright use colloquial language in the play? Why is it necessary for her to use colloquial language in this type of work? Please use specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 237 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample