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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. In what year was the book written?

2. What is a more common name for a "bull-bat?"

3. Although the sisters can be very different, they are _____.

4. What word is best used to describe Bessie?

5. Mr. Delany often told Bessie that she could catch more flies with ____ than with vinegar.

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the age and relationship between the two sisters.

2. Examine Henry's offer to go to college. When did it occur? What concessions would Henry have to make?

3. Where did Henry and Nanny meet? What was unusual about their wedding?

4. What is an issue-free Negro? What is the difference between an issue-free slave and a freed slave?

5. Sadie talks about the drawbacks of being old. Discuss at least two references Sadie makes to her advanced age.

6. What two major events were the death knells of Jim Crow?

7. Discuss the wedding of Henry and Nanny Delany.

8. Who was the Mock family? How were they important to the Delanys?

9. How was Henry Delany presented with the opportunity to go to college? What major life change was Henry asked to make?

10. What is Bessie's opinion of whites? Who was responsible for giving whites a bad name in the eyes of the Negro?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sadie talks about racism in the black community. Even though the sisters are from the same family, there was a difference in the way they were treated due to the shade of their skin tone. Do you think that the shade of one's skin matters as much today, or are all blacks treated equally? Do you think other races have the same opinions and/or experiences? How did the sisters handle the difference in treatment? How were the other children treated? Why do you think some were lighter than others?

Essay Topic 2

Sadie and Bessie wanted to prove that despite their age, they are still competent women with sharp minds. Many people believe that the elderly have outlived their usefulness. Do you share the opinion that the elderly are "used up?" Do you think that the Delanys still had something to offer either professionally or personally? Explain. Also compare the elderly people you know to the Delany sisters. How are they similar?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the professional careers of all ten children. Begin with the oldest and end with the youngest. How many were involved in the same or similar professions? Did any take after Henry or Nanny in their career choices? Explain.

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