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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 is Violet committed to gaining weight?

2. What area does the author describe in springtime?

3. Who rents Joe and Dorcas a bedroom once a week?

4. How does Alice describe Dorcas?

5. Who does Alice eventually allow to come visit her at home?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter One, how does the narrator describe Violet Trace?

2. Describe the relationship between Violet and Alice as presented in Chapter Three.

3. In Chapter Five, how does the author describe Harlem in the springtime?

4. In Chapter Four, how does the narrator describe the way Violet feels after she attacks Dorcas's body?

5. In what ways does Alice try to protect Dorcas?

6. How does the narrator describe the scene in which Violet attacks Dorcas's body?

7. In Chapter Two, what reason does the narrator give for Joe killing Dorcas?

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

9. Why is Violet known as "Violent" Trace in town?

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

The title of the work is "Jazz." Why does Morrison choose such a title for this book? What is the significance of jazz music in this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the significance of Malvonne's presence in Morrison's novel. What does the character of Malvonne add to the plot? What is the story like if Morrison does not include such an antagonist?

Essay Topic 3

What is significant about Dorcas's clothespin dolls? What role do they play throughout Dorcas's life? Why do you think Morrison chooses this particular symbol?

(see the answer keys)

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