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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 realizes that if he had taken the more _________ Steena to his house, things might have gone better.

2. What did Coleman recognize in the words as he was trying to write his story without any help?

3. What is Iris also strongly opinionated about, which attracts Coleman's attention and affection?

4. What is the favorite piece of literature of Coleman's father, according to the book?

5. At what college did Coleman Silk teach before his hasty departure from the college?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What makes Iris a strong woman, according to the descriptions in the book?

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

4. Why were Iris' parents never officially married, though they conceived and raised Iris as their daughter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of the professor having an affair of sorts with the illiterate janitor is a little bit contrived, some would say.

Part 1: Do you think a professor and a janitor would realistically have an affair with each other? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think Faunia and Coleman are attracted to each other?

Part 3: Do you think that Faunia and Coleman would have had a shot at being together? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Faunia, to some, seems to be the innocent victim of an older man, but is this really the case?

Part 1: Do you think Faunia is as innocent as she wants to be perceived by others? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think Faunia pretends to be dumber than she actually is? What might be the benefits of this act?

Part 3: What might have happened in Faunia's life had she been honest to others and to herself?

(see the answer keys)

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