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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. When does the Duke of York reach Sierra Leone?

2. Where does Joyce go in Christmas, 1937?

3. What punishment does Mr. Davey receive for misbehaving again?

4. What does Joyce think of government warnings?

5. When does Hamilton write the first letter to his wife during his journey?

Short Essay Questions

1. What belief did Hamilton's father hold concerning Christianity and slavery?

2. What journey does James Hamilton take?

3. Describe Joyce's mother.

4. Describe Joyce's marriage to Len.

5. Why is Len sent to prison?

6. What measures did Hamilton take to prevent a slave insurrection?

7. Describe Captain Jackson.

8. How is "Crossing the River" written (in what format)?

9. Describe Mr. Ellis.

10. What happened to James Hamilton's father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Christianity is a theme that runs throughout each story in Crossing the River. Choose two stories to compare in regards to the way Christianity influences characters. How do the characters' beliefs influence the plot? How do they reconcile their actions with their beliefs? Make sure you name which stories you choose, and use examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In "West," Martha endures significant hardships, but she finds hope in different places. Describe three hardships that Martha has endured, and explain how she endured them. Where did Martha find hope? What gave her solace during these different obstacles?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 555 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample