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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. What happened to Joyce's father?

2. What does Hamilton do with the three old women slaves that come aboard?

3. What does Len announce when he comes home in December, 1943?

4. Who does Joyce marry?

5. Who dies in November 1940?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ellis say concerning Hamilton's father's death?

2. What happened to James Hamilton's father?

3. What is the state of Hamilton's cargo near the end of the log in "Crossing the River"?

4. What journey does James Hamilton take?

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

6. What happens to Joyce and Travis's relationship?

7. What is the state of the supply of slaves when Hamilton is on the coast?

8. What happens to Joyce's mother?

9. Why is Len sent to prison?

10. On what condition does the Army allow Travis to marry Joyce?

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

"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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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