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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. What is the profession of the man who taught boxing at the Boys Club?

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

3. How many days does Coleman wait before seeing Faunia after the incident with her husband stalking her?

4. What does Coleman want to do with his life once he gets out of the military?

5. A lawyer tells Coleman that if he seeks out a _____________ for Faunia, then everyone will know of his and Faunia's relationship.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the problem with Nathan's health which has changed him forever?

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

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. Why did Coleman and Iris marry if they were complete opposites without passion for each other?

5. What happened to cause Coleman Silk to have to seek retirement from his job?

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

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

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

9. What is the current and past status of Coleman Silk's employment in this novel?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Coleman passes most of his life as a white man, obtaining many of the privileges and power that come along with this race.

Part 1: Do you think that Coleman made the right decision in portraying himself as white? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think that Coleman had the intelligence to be in the positions he was in regardless of his race? Why or why not?

Part 3: In the time frame of the story, do you think Coleman needed to hide his race from others anymore? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

When it's discovered that Faunia has a diary, it seems that her claims of illiteracy may not be true.

Part 1: Why would someone hide the fact that they could read?

Part 2: Why do you think that Faunia decided to pretend that she was illiterate?

Part 3: Why do you think Coleman never realized Faunia was indeed literate?

Essay Topic 3

When Coleman decides not to talk about his heritage in the face of his accusation, he is doing himself a disservice.

Part 1: What might have happened to Coleman had he actually stood up for himself during the accusations?

Part 2: Is it possible Coleman was trying to punish himself in some way for his lying? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that Coleman wanted to destroy his life? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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