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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. In what month was Sadie born?

3. What was the name of Nanny's midwife?

4. Bessie believes that many people see her as being _____.

5. Where did the sisters live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What about the Delany sisters surprises most people? What is the general opinion of the Delany sisters' neighbors?

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

3. Discuss the wedding of Henry and Nanny Delany.

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

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

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 actions did the Mocks take that was illegal?

9. What gift of Bessie's was not readily acknowledged? Why was it kept under wraps?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why did the sisters move to New York? What was special about Harlem at that time? What was the Harlem Renaissance? Who was at the forefront of the movement? How did Sadie and Bessie feel about Harlem and New York City in general? How many members of the Delany family lived in Harlem? Who had offices located there? What is Harlem like today?

Essay Topic 2

The author says: "Both more than one hundred years old, Sarah ("Sadie") Delany and her sister Annie Elizabeth ("Bessie") Delany are among the oldest living witnesses to American history." (Part 1, page 3) What do you think it would be like to be in that position? Would you want to be one of the oldest living witnesses? What types of things did the sister see first hand that you would consider to be ancient history? Would you record your experiences? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The Delany children were raised in somewhat of a sheltered way. Discuss the childhoods of the children. How were they affected by being so sheltered? What kind of influence did Henry and Nanny have on the way the children viewed the world? How might the children be different if raised in Raleigh proper, or in some unprotected area? What do you think Henry and Nanny might have done to protect their children in a different environment? Explain.

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