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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. About what does the performer joke?

2. Why does Coates believe there is no reason for Jack to remain in England?

3. How does Smitty respond when Goldie tells him to fetch some police?

4. On whom does Clara angrily talk about wanting to take revenge?

5. She recalls how hard it was to teach him the right way to behave, how he was always determined to do things his own way, and how she tried to punish him physically. What does she say she should have done to keep Jack out of a situation such as this?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the confrontation between Cameron and Ellie.

2. What suggestion does Cap'n Dan give to convince Jack to take part in the fixed fight? How do the other men respond to this?

3. What does Mrs. Jefferson reminisce about Jack?

4. Why are Pop Weaver, Cap'n Dan and Fred watching a film of a fighter?

5. How does this scene open?

6. How does Treacher respond to these complaints?

7. What takes place when the protesters arrive?

8. What does Goldie think about Jack dating Ellie?

9. What takes place in this scene?

10. Describe Mrs. Jefferson's funeral procession.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Jefferson dies.

Part 1) How is her death foreshadowed? How are others, especially Jack, affected by her death?

Part 2) What do other characters in her funeral procession represent? How do you know this?

Part 3) How does the scene in which Mrs. Jefferson's funeral procession take place symbolize a larger sadness and frustration?

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Bachman is Ellie's mother.

Part 1) How is she affected by Ellie and Jack's relationship? Why?

Part 2) What is the purpose of her soliloquy?

Part 3) Based on what you know about her, how might she have reacted to Ellie's suicide?

Essay Topic 3

Blackface was performed in minstrel shows.

Part 1) What is Blackface? How is it hurtful to African Americans?

Part 2) How is it used in this play? Why is it used?

Part 3) What does Blackface reflect about society at this time?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,251 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample