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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 warn Jeremy, now that Jeremy has no job?

2. How long ago does Bynum say he learned the song?

3. What does Jeremy suggest Molly needs a man for?

4. What does Seth say Joe Turner wanted from Loomis?

5. What suggestion does Molly give Jeremy about his job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of being trapped in a relationship in the play.

1) Why do men leave women in the play? Why does Jack leave Mattie? Why did Bynum leave his woman?

2) What makes a character stay in a relationship? Is a relationship always a kind of entrapment in the play?

3) Why do women want men to stay in the play? How is Molly's attitude different than Mattie's? Would Molly feel trapped in a relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss hope in the story.

1) Why do the freed slaves come north to Pittsburgh? What does Seth think and say about their hope for a new life? How accurate is Seth's opinion?

2) Do the characters have hope during the play? Do any of the characters, such as Loomis, Jeremy, or Mattie, gain hope? What do they hope for?

3) What role does hope play in life and happiness in the play? Is hope helpful or harmful?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the importance of financial independence to characters in the story.

1) Seth wants to gain financial independence by starting his own business. What stops him from achieving his goal? Why is this an important goal for him?

2) Molly doesn't want to be "bought." She wants to be independent, while not working. What kind of independence does she achieve? How does money play into her independence?

3) Why does Mattie continue to work while she is with Jeremy? Does her working keep them separate?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 409 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample