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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 convinced that the false accusations against him _________ his wife.

2. As a result of the problem in the classroom, Coleman decides to return to the __________ and to resign as the dean.

3. What does Coleman suffer for the first time upon his arrival at Howard College?

4. On the day she died, Iris was in perfect health aside from a __________ that would not leave her alone.

5. Who began molesting Faunia after her mother got remarried?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happened during the course of the investigation into Coleman Silk's accusations?

3. What does the doctor offer to Coleman's family in return for the favor they request, though the Silks turn the offer down?

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

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

6. What does the lawyer tell Coleman in regards to the restraining order against Farley?

7. What does Ellie do when Coleman reveals to her his racial background?

8. What does Coleman Silk confess to his neighbor when he is 71 years of age?

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

10. What does Coleman want to do with his life at first when he is out of the military and back in New York?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of this book is certainly striking in and of itself, even before a reader dives into the text.

Part 1: What did you think the title referred to when you first picked up the book?

Part 2: Having read the book, how does the title relate to the book?

Part 3: The idea of a stain implies a negative meaning. Does this title have a negative connotation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

It's interesting that the story includes a modern day reference to the Bill Clinton scandal, as it mirrors other events in the story as well.

Part 1: Why do you think the author decided to include the reference to the Bill Clinton scandal?

Part 2: Do you think Clinton's situation and Coleman's situation are similar? Why or why not?

Part 3: What do you think the novel has to say about affairs between older men and younger women?

(see the answer keys)

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