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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Seth remind Loomis of?

2. When does Bertha say Mattie will find what she's looking for?

3. Zonia asks Reuben what something feels like. What does she ask about?

4. What does Loomis compare Joe Turner catching slaves to?

5. Who is the only person Molly says she loves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characters in the story search for meaning in their lives. Discuss this search for meaning.

1) What meaning has Bynum found in life? Why does Bynum say that others need to find the meaning of life for themselves?

2) What makes life meaningful for Jeremy? Will he continue to find this meaning fulfilling?

3) What does Seth find meaningful in life? Is Seth satisfied with his life? Does he search for meaning?

4) What meaning is Loomis searching for in his life? What about the other characters, such as Mattie and Molly?

Essay Topic 2

Loomis's vision is an important element in the play. Discuss the meaning and significance of this vision.

1) What do the bones walking on water signify? Why do they sink? Why are they washed to shore?

2) Why is Loomis one of the sets of bones that washes to shore? Why can't he rise up and walk away like the other people?

3) What does the road signify in the vision? Why do the washed-up people walk down the road in different directions?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss what children gain from their parents in the play.

1) Seth learned metalworking from his father, and many of the characters learned trades from their parents. What significance does this have in the story? Is a person fated or destined to a certain life based on their parents?

2) What significance is there to Selig's story of his great-grandfather captaining slave ships and his father retrieving slaves for plantation owners? What about Bynum's inheritance of spiritual power from his father the healer?

3) What does Zonia gain from her father and from her mother? What does she inherit from them?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 391 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample