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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. What happened to Nora’s husband?

2. What reason does Maureen give for working with the women in Section 7?

3. At the end of the book, what does Maureen hear that is different than usual sounds?

4. What does July’s mother pretend not to like in Section 6?

5. What does Bam say about July in Section 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Maureen drowns the kittens and what this implies about her?

2. Explain how Bam now feels about his wife by Section 7.

3. Describe the scene where Bam lays face first in the bed. What happened, and what does this signify?

4. Explain Maureen’s feelings about her life, prior to the riots, as reflected upon in Section 9.

5. What does Bam try to explain about why the chief shouldn’t kill his own people?

6. Describe the birth of animals in the Smalls’ hut, and how that relates to the accusation of theft.

7. What does it imply that the chief can speak in English, but doesn’t at first?

8. Why does Maureen give a final belittling speech to July, and what does she say?

9. Explain how July sees his chief.

10. Why do you think Maureen runs for the helicopter at the end of the novel, leaving her family behind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Maureen relates things back to one’s economic position. Choose one of these times, and explain how Maureen views the situation. Why is the topic related to economic position? What does this say about Maureen, from a social level? On a more personal level? Do you believe Maureen is accurate in her perceptions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

One theme of the novel is that of the complete role reversal between whites and blacks in the book, as shown through both the riots in town and the relationship between Maureen and July. Explain, in detail, this role reversal. Why does it happen, what is the result, and how does this change the world as July and Maureen know it?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast July’s character at the beginning of the novel with his behaviors at the end of the novel. How did July change over the course of the novel, and why? What are his true feelings for Maureen? For Bam? Why did he hate his true resentment for so long? Why is his resentment so deep? Could Maureen have avoided his fury?

(see the answer keys)

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