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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. Which worker at the convenience store is often assigned to watch Mira in the middle of the night?

2. What does Mira's mother suggest doing on the phone after Peter's death?

3. Who is in charge of the investigation into Baby's death?

4. What is an essential part of Adan's story reaching back to childhood?

5. What does Adan wear on his face during the robbery?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Wilma's story to the police about her own marriage to Carson?

2. What lie does Lala tell about where Adan was when Baby "disappeared"?

3. Why does Lala have to leave the hospital with Baby alone?

4. How does Mira Whalen behave for the first five days after the murder of her husband Peter?

5. Why does Lala go out to find Adan in the middle of the night early in Part I?

6. How does the hospital staff treat Lala when she has her baby there?

7. What has Mira Whalen's mother always advocated?

8. Why does Mira repeatedly buy raisins at the store following Peter's death?

9. What is Peter trying to do when the robber kills him?

10. What does Sergeant Beckles think about the death of Baby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring Jones's treatment of the theme of sacrifice throughout this novel, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What are some of Mira Whalen's most significant regrets following her husband Peter's death, and how does Mira handle the trauma of that event in its immediate aftermath? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Jones describe daily life for women in Barbados like Lala, Wilma, Esme, and the Queen of Sheba? What are some of the most significant challenges, dangers, and barriers to their being able to reach their full potential? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 596 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample