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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 does Delphine accuse Coleman of sending in her name, even though she says she did not write it?

2. When Coleman and his guest leave the ___________ during a break, Nathan follows them.

3. In what animal does Faunia seem to take a particular interest?

4. Delphine believes that women should not hide their ___________, but they also should not flaunt it.

5. Who does Delphine realize that she wants to be with, as she is writing her personal ad?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the rumor that Jeff tells Coleman Lisa has heard, causing the rift in their relationship?

2. What is the real reason Faunia gets angry with Coleman for reading to her when they get up the next morning?

3. What is one of the lessons that Les has to endure as a part of his new therapy with a fellow Vietnam vet?

4. What does Coleman think when he sees the members of the Elderhostel classes walking to the dining hall?

5. What was the issue with the girl in Lisa's reading recovery group that made her question her teaching abilities?

6. What happens to the personal ad Delphine sends out in order to find love?

7. What did Coleman tell his children about his own parents when his children were much younger?

8. Why doesn't Faunia like to spend the night with men she is dating?

9. What does Lisa think about Coleman's obvious attraction to Faunia?

10. What does Les think he has to do in order to be able to feel things again?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Even in his darkest times, with rumors swirling about him, no one seems to stick up for Coleman.

Part 1: Why do you think none of his academic colleagues stood up for Coleman?

Part 2: Why do you think Coleman's children instantly believed the rumors instead of giving their father a chance to explain?

Part 3: Do you think anyone likes Coleman enough to help him? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Race is a large part of this story, even when it isn't directly discussed. But race becomes the motivating force behind many decisions.

Part 1: How is race defined within this story by its characters?

Part 2: Is race only a matter of the color of one's skin? Why or why not?

Part 3: If you could change the way you look to others, would you? Would you present yourself as a different race? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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