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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 elected to serve in which government body?

2. How old was Bessie when she retired?

3. How old was the child when he died?

4. Manross was refused entry to a white family's home even though he had _____.

5. How much money did Nanny receive in her pension check?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. The sisters talk about the deaths in the family. Who died first? Could any of the deaths have been prevented? Explain.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the deaths of Henry and Nanny Delany. Who died first? How did each parent die? When? Who was the first to find out? Who was responsible for telling the rest of the family? What types of funeral arrangements were made? What happened to the surviving parent? How did the lives of the Delany children change after the deaths of the parents? Explain.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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