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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 sisters, Nanny's judgment was often _____.

2. What finally killed Julia's only child?

3. Which sibling's son joined the service?

4. Who took possession of Henry's papers and refused to give them up?

5. What type of house did the sisters buy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What was the general impression of Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s? What was the other side of the situation?

5. Who was Little Hubie? Why was he special? What happened to the child?

6. How did Nanny's death change Sadie's role in the family? What was the family's reaction to the change?

7. Discuss at least two of Bessie's major challenges at Columbia.

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

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

10. Discuss Hubie's role in the political arena in New York.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sadie talks about racism in the black community. Even though the sisters are from the same family, there was a difference in the way they were treated due to the shade of their skin tone. Do you think that the shade of one's skin matters as much today, or are all blacks treated equally? Do you think other races have the same opinions and/or experiences? How did the sisters handle the difference in treatment? How were the other children treated? Why do you think some were lighter than others?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Bessie's dental practice. Although Bessie was a strong business woman, she also paid heed to her Episcopal upbringing. Discuss how Bessie honored her parents and her religion through her work. What kinds of services did Bessie offer to the locals? What did she receive in return? Do you think Bessie made good business decisions?

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.

(see the answer keys)

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