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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. According to the book, the Delanys were referred to as being at the top of black ______.

2. The sisters think that many men may have been put off by their _____.

3. In what year did the Jim Crow laws take effect on a federal level?

4. In what year did Henry and Nanny get married?

5. Bessie refers to which saint?

Short Essay Questions

1. How old was Henry Delany when he was freed? How was Henry affected?

2. What does the author say about Sadie and Bessie in regards to their age and view of history?

3. Henry Beard Delany was born a slave on a Georgia plantation. Examine the Delanys' role in the household. When was Henry freed?

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

5. Which segment of the population did not readily accept or celebrate the Delanys' successes?

6. What was different about the Delany family compared to other black families in the South?

7. What was the reaction of many slaves when slavery ended? What did the slaves do upon being freed?

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

9. What prevented people from harassing Nanny's grandparents? What major issue occurred after the death of Mr. Miliam?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even at their advanced ages Bessie and Sadie are completely independent. The sisters say that many people do not believe that they do not have a maid or helpers of any kind. Explain why people are so surprised at the sisters' level of independence. Do you think they could handle any situation that would arise at their home? Who helped with outside chores such as banking and grocery shopping? How were the neighbors involved in the sisters' lives?

Essay Topic 2

Interracial relationships were not common in the late 1800s. Examine the relationship between Mr. Miliam and Nanny's mother. What were the specifics of the relationship? Was Nanny treated differently because her father was a white man? Did Miliam's wealth have anything to do with the level of acceptance in the relationship? Why was the couple never married? How might the same relationship be viewed today? How did the relationship affect Miliam's inheritance to Nanny and the children? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write a complete character description of Bessie. What were Bessie's most significant traits? How was Bessie different than her siblings? How did Bessie fight against racism and gender bias? What was Bessie's profession? Was Bessie's office successful? What is the most memorable thing about Bessie in your eyes?

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