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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What text is used to condemn the actions of the man who used violence to steal a turkey in "The Bone of Contention"?
(a) The Bible.
(b) The Koran.
(c) The encyclopedia.
(d) The dictionary.

2. In what setting does the story entitled "Spunk" take place?
(a) Sanford, Florida.
(b) Reform, Alabama.
(c) Eatonville, Florida.
(d) Harlem, New York.

3. Which group holds a carnival attended by Isis in the story "Drenched in Light"?
(a) The Odd Fellows.
(b) The Elks.
(c) The Sons of Norway.
(d) The Moose.

4. The overwrought expression of which emotion causes Bentley's death, according to the narrator?
(a) Rage.
(b) Despair.
(c) Envy.
(d) Sorrow.

5. What term does the narrator of "Black Death" apply to white people?
(a) Nihilists.
(b) Allies.
(c) Materialists.
(d) Oppressors.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of what cause did Beau officially die, though it is implied that the local conjure man had a hand in it?

2. Which member of the family featured in "Drenched in Light" always does the dishes?

3. What action does Isis take when a member of her family catches her dancing at the carnival?

4. An accident with which object brings an end to Spunk's life?

5. Who orders Isis to get down from the gate post and rake the yard?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way is Hurston a bit of an anomaly within the literary movement with which she is associated?

2. What does the young disabled man featured in "A Bit of Harlem" say his teacher had told him about heaven? Why is this comment significant?

3. According to Genevieve West, what conclusion did scholars come to regarding the story "Muttsy," prior to the discovery of the eight other stories contained within the collection Hitting a Straight a Lick With a Crooked Stick?

4. How does Joe Kanty meet his end in the story entitled "Spunk"?

5. Describe the end of Bentley's life.

6. Discuss the significance of the final passages included within the story "John Redding Goes to Sea."

7. Discuss the significane of the final line of the story entitled "The Conversion of Sam."

8. In what way does the story entitled "A Bit of Harlem" put forth an argument about the need for intersectionality when it comes to the discussion of race?

9. What does the gate post symbolize within the story entitled "Drenched in Light"?

10. Describe the way in which the definition of courage is called into question within the story "Spunk."

(see the answer keys)

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