View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What becomes an obsession for Mary?

2. How many miles does Slatter live from the Turners?

3. What type of clothes does Mary buy for herself?

4. What does Tony realize about "white civilization?"

5. What does Samson let out?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the state of Dick and Mary's romantic relationship.

2. How do the man's remarks at the station change Mary's perception of Dick?

3. When and why was Mary so fortunate? How did she feel about her good fortune?

4. Of what is every white woman in South Africa brought up to be afraid?

5. Why is it strange that no one discusses the murder?

6. How does Mary treat Samson?

7. How does Mary feel after Dick shows her around the house?

8. Describe the Turners' reputation in the community.

9. How does Mary's financial situation change after getting married?

10. How does Marston feel about the murder? How does he feel about the way Slatter and the Sergeant talk to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the main symbols used in the novel, the role they play in the story, and what these symbols represent. Examples include nature, the sun, marriage, the farm, stores, and so on.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the role of human weakness in THE GRASS IS SINGING. Be sure to address:

1) How characters show weakness and how other characters react to this weakness.

2) The role of human fallibility in the story.

3) How reading THE GRASS IS SINGING can motivate readers to be stronger and exercise more control over their lives.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the power relationship between Mary and Moses. Be sure to address:

1) How the relationship changes throughout the novel.

2) How Moses exercises power over Mary.

3) The greater themes and implications of the power relationship between Mary and Moses.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 862 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample