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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 does John say he wants instead of the narrow way?

2. How did Florence's mother try to stop Gabriel from being wicked?

3. Which of the following words best describes John's feeling towards the white people on fith avenue?

4. What was John the first member of his family to do?

5. Who does Florence say she has seen waiting for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Hoe does Florence stun Gabriel?

2. What reason does Baldwin suggest Gabriel believes in God?

3. What bible passages did Florence's mother like to repeat?

4. How does Gabriel think God can help Elizabeth?

5. Why does Gabriel marry Deborah?

6. What reason does Florence give for her mother being religious?

7. How did Gabriel react when he heard one of the preachers joke about Deborah's rape?

8. In what way do Florence and Gabriel's ideas differ about God?

9. Why does Gabriel like Deborah?

10. What influence does Gabriel have on John's life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Baldwin's writing style. How would you describe his prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Baldwin's style give to his story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Baldwin's life. In what way do you think his life and personality is reflected in the book?In what ways is he like or unlike the main character John?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the book.

1) Discuss elements of the narrative structure; Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's ideas?

2) Away from the main characters examine the way Baldwin uses the other people in the story to express his point of view.

(see the answer keys)

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