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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. Bessie remarks that the Civil Rights Movement suffered from ______ after Martin Luther King, Jr. died.

2. According to the sisters, Nanny's judgment was often _____.

3. What was the woman's first name?

4. Which man's assassination is not mentioned in this section?

5. Hubert was active in which famous organization?

Short Essay Questions

1. Examine the incident with the cottage, Bessie, and the judge.

2. Discuss the main issue in "Outliving the Rebby Boys."

3. How did the Delanys react to the major changes that were going on around them in Harlem?

4. Sadie relays the story of one of her first experiences in New York regarding strangers. What was the experience? What did Sadie learn?

5. How did Sadie make extra money in the early years? What dampened the success of the business?

6. What drastic action did the sisters take to care for Nanny?

7. What does Bessie say about the extra effort that must be put forth by Negroes?

8. Examine the effect Nanny's death had on Sadie.

9. The sisters talk about their situation during World War II. Discuss at least one issue the sisters had at that time.

10. Discuss Sadie's difficulties during her first year at Pratt.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many people tried to get the sisters to use modern technology. At the time, that meant getting a telephone. Explain why the sisters refused to have a phone. What was their reason? What might happen if there was an emergency? How do you think the sisters would have reacted to today's modern technology? Do you think either would have given in and tried some of the new gadgets on the market today?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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