Print
Word
PDF
|
| Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who is the man that knew Captain Hamilton's father and had done business with him?
2. What does Hamilton worry about in regards to buying slaves?
3. How old is Joyce?
4. What does Hamilton do with the three old women slaves that come aboard?
5. Where is the "cargo" being transported?
Short Essay Questions
1. What measures did Hamilton take to prevent a slave insurrection?
2. What does Ellis say concerning Hamilton's father's death?
3. How does Captain Hamilton reconcile his Christian beliefs with his professional dealings in slavery?
4. Why doesn't Joyce's mother want her to marry?
5. What happened to James Hamilton's father?
6. Describe Captain Jackson.
7. On what condition does the Army allow Travis to marry Joyce?
8. What happens to Sandra and why?
9. What journey does James Hamilton take?
10. Describe Mr. Ellis.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
In contrast to the other sections of Crossing the River, "Somewhere in England" portrays Joyce, a white character, who is victimized by her circumstances and loneliness, while Travis, the main black character, is the one who comforts her and shows worldliness that she craves. Analyze the similarities and differences between Joyce and Travis. How does each influence the other? Who plays the strong, protective role, and who plays the fragile one?
Essay Topic 2
Caryl Phillips writes "West" in such a way that is not accusatory of the white characters for their actions in the story concerning the treatment of blacks, and he does this by showing how they must have realistically thought of their actions, using points of view that show their ignorance. Discuss the intentions and point of view of one or more of the white characters. Focus on the idea of ignorance and how most of that seems to come out of the naivete of white people at the time. What do you think of the woman's attempt to assist Martha? Was she helping her to make herself feel less guilty about the immoral way blacks are treated or did she sincerely seek to help Martha? Why is the fact that she does not know Martha's name significant?
Essay Topic 3
"West" and "Somewhere in England" both focus on women, but they are women of very different worlds. Compare and contrast the characters of Martha Randolph and Joyce. How are they similar (in situation, circumstances, personality, etc), and how are they different? Take note of the fact that they are of different time periods as well as of different nationalities. Make sure you use examples from the stories to support your answer.
|
This section contains 727 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
