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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. Coleman is not moved by his mother's pleas for change, believing _______________.

2. What caused Coleman Silk's wife to die during the investigation into the comments he made during a class?

3. Who is the young woman from the Midwest that Coleman meets when he is in school?

4. What happened to Nathan that caused him to live a life of celibacy?

5. What ended up bringing Iris and Coleman closer together during their marriage?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Coleman reveal to Iris his racial background when they are getting married?

2. What does the doctor who visits Coleman's family when Coleman is in high school want from Coleman and his family?

3. What happened on the day that Nathan found Coleman in only his shorts?

4. Describe Iris' health on the day that she died, according to the book's description.

5. What did Coleman do on the day he went to the funeral parlor to make arrangements for a funeral?

6. How does Coleman reveal his family secret to the woman he loves while he's in college?

7. What does Doc Chizner tell Coleman not to tell the Pitt coach when he is applying for a scholarship?

8. What does Coleman do after his father dies when he is a student at Howard?

9. Why does Coleman go to the lawyer the next day after seeing Farley?

10. What does Mr. Silk believe is the most important thing in life, especially for a black man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Faunia goes to visit the crow, she sees many similarities in the crow and her situation.

Part 1: Why does Faunia go back to visit the crow again and again?

Part 2: Why do you think that Faunia tries to give her opal ring to the crow?

Part 3: Do you think the crow is a symbol for Coleman? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Les is an interesting character as he almost seems too "bad" to be believable. His actions are almost predictable - too predictable.

Part 1: Why do you think Lester would have been with a woman like Faunia?

Part 2: Why do you think that Lester couldn't come back and heal himself after Vietnam?

Part 3: Do you think it's realistic that Les murdered Coleman and Faunia? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One's history is often the driving force in one's present day actions and decisions.

Part 1: Do you think Coleman is driven by his past? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think Les is somehow driven by his past? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think the past should influence decision making? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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