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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. Why does True Belle send Violet to Palestine?

2. What is Joe selling when he meets Dorcas?

3. What happens the same day Dorcas's mother is burned in the house fire?

4. Who lives with Joe on Lenox Avenue?

5. What instrument is constantly played during the parade?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter Five, what does Joe think of when he imagines Dorcas?

2. In Chapter Four, how does Violet imagine Joe's relationship with Dorcas?

3. Describe the death of Dorcas's mother.

4. What is the story the narrator gives behind Joe's last name?

5. How does Violet learn more about Dorcas in Chapter One? What does she learn?

6. Describe the time Joe sees Dorcas for the very first time.

7. Describe the series of thoughts in Joe's mind the night he shoots Dorcas in Chapter Five.

8. Why do Joe and Violet fall into such deep debt in Chapter Five?

9. Describe the different things Joe and Violet see in the picture of Dorcas.

10. Describe Violet's "crazy episodes" as they are presented in Chapter One.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Joe and Violet move from the country to the city? What reasons does Joe give for the move? Do you think these reasons are accurate? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

How do you describe the development of the relationship between Alice and Violet? Why do you think Violet is so determined to befriend Alice? What benefits do both women derive from the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Violet and Dorcas. How are their lives different? How are the characters the same?

(see the answer keys)

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