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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. Who is Grant's surprise visitor?

2. How long until this person in #28 can visit Jefferson?

3. Who is the superintendent of schools?

4. Who does NOT press Grant for details about his visit with Jefferson?

5. Who does NOT enter the kitchen at 6:45 PM?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the object of Grant's affection and of a secret love affair?

2. What happens when Grant asks Vivian what would happen if someone on the school staff saw what she had written on her blackboard?

3. Though Grant finds Tante Lou and Miss Emma home when he returns from school, what does he do?

4. Vivian takes Grant to her home, but Grant protests this. Why does he protest this action?

5. When is the execution date for Jefferson?

6. Grant has a theory about why he feels he has left some of his anger behind. What is his theory?

7. What does Bonin tell Grant about Bonin's relationship with Jefferson?

8. What responsibility does Grant try to tell Jefferson he has?

9. What is Grant doing when the women of the house go to church?

10. Who does Grant put in charge of the class when he is told he must go to Henri Pinchot's house immediately?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of this novel, the narrator is unknown to the reader. Why do you think this was done? Do you think this added to or took away from the manuscript? When the reader finds out that the narrator is Grant Wiggins, does this change the perception of the story?

Essay Topic 2

When Grant is waiting to talk to Vivian about the good visit he had with Jefferson, he overhears a conversation about Jefferson by mulatto bricklayers and reacts violently. Why do you think he reacts this way? Do you think there was another way for him to react to their comments? Why do you think the bricklayers said what they said?

Essay Topic 3

The idea of faith and and its importance is brought up by Reverend Ambrose at one point to Grant in relation to Jefferson. How do you feel that faith and belief could have helped Jefferson? What could Jefferson have done to bring more faith into his life? Do you feel that this would have made Jefferson happier or unhappier? If Grant isn't a very religious person, why does he tell the Reverend Ambrose to bring a bible with him when he visits?

(see the answer keys)

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