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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. How does the father respond to his son's request in 'The Prodigal Son.'.

2. Who does God call to him in 'Go Down Death'?

3. In 'Listen, Lord,' what emotional position is the speaker in during the first stanza?

4. How does God feel at the end of the fourth stanza of 'The Creation'?

5. What experience is the woman in 'Go Down Death' going through?

Short Essay Questions

1. In 'Noah Built the Ark,' what does Eve believe will happen if she eats fruit from the tree? Who tells her otherwise?

2. Why does God create in 'The Creation'?

3. In 'Listen, Lord', what does the preacher describe the congregation as?

4. Describe what Noah tells the people and how the people react to him.

5. Who does God send to Sister Caroline's side?

6. In the poem 'The Crucifixion,' what does the preacher make sure to point out about the man that helps Jesus carry his cross?

7. How is Jesus dressed for the crucifixion?

8. What occurs during the crucifixion? What is placed in Jesus' side?

9. In the poem 'Let My People Go,' how does the Pharaoh react to Moses' request? What does he do in response?

10. How does Judas betray Jesus in the poem 'The Crucifixion'?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose two titles from Johnson's book of poetry. Analyze the significance of the title in context of the poem. Why did Johnson choose this specific title? Does it suit the poem?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the roles of Pilate and Judas in the crucifixion. Describe each individual. How does Johnson describe them? What role did each play in Jesus' crucifixion? Who is ultimately to blame for the crucifixion?

Essay Topic 3

Choose two poems. One poem should show God as vengeful and the other as merciful. Discuss how Johnson addresses these two sides of God. Site specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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