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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. Hubert was active in which famous organization?

2. How old was the child when he died?

3. Three children died after Nanny's death. In which order did the children die?

4. How old was Nanny at this point?

5. What was the husband's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Julia's move to New York. How did Julia's presence affect Bessie's attempt to get work?

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

3. As one might expect, Bessie got the last word in the book. What was Bessie's final insight?

4. Discuss the effect of the Depression on Harlem. Also discuss the end of the Harlem Renaissance.

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

6. Sadie and Bessie's neighbors in the projects were upset about the actions of the neighborhood kids. How did the sisters react to the issue?

7. Sadie was tricky when it came to getting a job at a high school. What was Sadie's trick? Why was it necessary?

8. What is written about the assassinations of the famous leaders of the time, particularly those involved in the Civil Rights Movement?

9. Discuss the Delanys' involvement with the up and coming jazz scene in Harlem.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hubert Delany. What was unusual about Hubert's professional career? How did he make a difference as an activist? How did the sisters feel when Hubert became a celebrated government official? What was Hubert's job? What was his role in law making and policy? Where did Hubert serve? What was the relationship between Hubert and his sisters? Which organizations did Hubert support?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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