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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. Why is Quey sent to England for school?

2. In what way is Mr. Stockham a benevolent master?

3. Who is Quey's mother?

4. What kind of Mother is Effia to Quey?

5. What is Pinky's first word?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss some of the differences James and Effia have when it comes to their understanding of voodoo and black magic.

2. On the night that Baaba first beats Effia and Cobbe in turn beats Baaba, Effia has a dream. Analyze the symbols of that dream.

3. Explain why Quey is sent to England.

4. In what ways does Ness's journey on the Underground Railroad mimic Esi's journey into slavery?

5. Why have the tribes begun to scar the faces of their children?

6. Why does James attempt to separate himself from Effia after receiving letters from his British wife, Anne?

7. Why does Ness describe her marriage to Sam as "this unholy holy union" (81)?

8. How does Mr. Stockham come to think that Ness is trying to beat his son?

9. How does Adwoa serve as a mentor for Effia?

10. Why does James Richard Collins's full name bother his mother, Nana Yaa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The black stones are obviously key symbols within this novel. However, many other instances of rocks, stones, and coal are mentioned. Write an essay in which you detail the meaning behind one or more of these objects.

Essay Topic 2

This song, "The Dove has failed. Oh, what to do? Make her to suffer, or you'll fail too" (37, 84) is repeated throughout the novel. Explore the meaning and the ramifications of these words.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you detail the symbolism of the different types of scars carried by multiple characters. Are there ever any instances when those marks prove useful, or are they always detrimental? Is it true that "you could not inherit a scar" (228)?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 945 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample