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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. Where does Brother Jack send the narrator at the end of the meeting?

2. What does Dupre want to do prior to starting the fire?

3. The narrator's anger is primarily focuses against

4. Through his experiences, what has the narrator learned to value?

5. Why does the narrator run after making his speech on behalf of the elderly couple?

Short Essay Questions

1. What puzzling irony does the narrator tell us about the human race?

2. The narrator says that he has learned that the lack of surprise is a warning. What does he mean?

3. How does Emma's conversation create a sense of foreboding?

4. In what way could the new shoes be symbolic?

5. What is the primary problem with the instructions given to the narrator to gather more members?

6. What is meant by "white fever"?

7. Why is Ras' anger ironic?

8. Describe one of the roles played by Rinehart.

9. Explain the initial results of the narrator's strategy of "yessing" them to death.

10. To what does Brother Tarp attribute the warning letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrator's grandfather tries to explain how he himself had failed the black people. What does the narrator initially not understand about the concept of "yessing" them to death? How does he eventually understand and adopt the idea? What conclusion does he finally draw about appearing to agree while actually plotting against someone?

Essay Topic 2

Blindness is one of the most pervasive motifs of the novel. Discuss the different types of blindness that are represented by the characters, for example, Norton, Mary, the two nuns, Brother Jack, Ras, the narrator himself, and others. Choose three or four characters that represent different types of blindness and explain how their blindness influences their actions and decisions. Is there anyone in the novel who sees clearly, whether he uses his sight for good or for evil purposes?

Essay Topic 3

Write an analysis of the various locations in which the narrator lives, i.e, the college, Harlem, in his new apartment, and finally in the "hole." Discuss how each location is a reflection of his changing attitude/character.

(see the answer keys)

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