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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. Who buys Martha after her master dies?

2. Where do most slaves who go back to Africa stay?

3. How many conversions to Christianity is Nash responsible for?

4. Where was Martha's husband sold?

5. Who does Edward entrust to give Nash some money?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to most of the letters that Nash Williams writes to Edward Wiliams?

2. What group of people make up most of Martha's business while she is in Kansas?

3. Describe the relation between Madison Williams and Edward Williams.

4. What illness has killed many slaves?

5. What did Edward dream that caused him much angst, and what does he interpret it as?

6. Do you think that the American Colonization Society sincerely believes in helping former slaves?

7. What happens to Martha at the end of "West"?

8. What happens to the relationship between Nash and his natural mother?

9. What do you think happened to Martha's husband?

10. Describe the fight that Chester had with some fellow poker players.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While the first two stories in Crossing the River showed struggle more from the perspective of black characters who were victims of a cruel society that endorsed slavery, "Crossing the River" is told wholly from the perspective of a white captain who promotes slavery through trade. Describe his beliefs and how he reconciles them with the immoral profession he endorses and takes part in. What is "commercial detachment," and what does Captain Hamilton think of it?

Essay Topic 2

In "Somewhere in England," there are various characters with their own different backgrounds, goals, and ideas. Joyce is first married to an Englishman and then has an interracial relationship. How does Joyce's marriage to Len contrast with her relationship with Travis? How are these relationships different in the eyes of society? Which do they scrutinize more and why? Make sure you answer each question thoroughly, using examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Pagan Coast," setting is a prominent character in the same way that war is a prominent character in "Somewhere in England." How does setting play a role in "The Pagan Coast," and how does Liberia change in the eyes of the characters throughout the story? What did it represent in the beginning, and what did it represent in the end? How does war play a role in "Somewhere in England"? Describe how these unconventional characters (setting and war) play such significant roles in these stories? How do they influence their respective characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 801 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample