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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How much is the reward for the apprehension of Miss Burden's murderer?
(a) Twenty thousand dollars
(b) A thousand dollars
(c) Fifty thousand dollars
(d) Five thousand dollars

2. What does Brown give to the Negro boy in the woods?
(a) A harmonica to play so he will not be scared in the dark woods
(b) A note asking for the reward money to be brought to Brown in the woods
(c) A piece of candy he had in his pocket
(d) The threat of a beating if the boy tells about Brown's location

3. Of what does Hightower think his mother died?
(a) Cancer
(b) Heart trouble
(c) Malnutrition
(d) Diabetes

4. How is Christmas killed?
(a) Grimm shoots Christmas as he tries to surrender.
(b) Grimm empties his revolver at Christmas who is hiding behind an overturned table.
(c) Christmas tries to protect Hightower and steps in front of the bullets.
(d) Grimm's men all open fire through the windows of the building.

5. What happens after Byron approaches Brown near the railroad tracks?
(a) The two men struggle and Brown leaps onto a passing train.
(b) Byron pays Brown to leave town.
(c) Brown agrees to return to town and marry Lena.
(d) The two men struggle and Byron falls onto the train tracks.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Miss Burden insist that Christmas do every day to prove his faithfulness?

2. What final horror is inflicted on Christmas before he dies?

3. Who do the townspeople think inspired Christmas to attempt an escape?

4. Where does Christmas get a job?

5. Why will Lena not accept Byron's marriage proposal?

Short Essay Questions

1. The cries of Lena's newborn child are significant for Byron. Why?

2. Explain this statement made by Christmas: "Whether they are seventeen or fortyseven, when they finally come to surrender completely, it's going to be in words."

3. Why does Percy Grimm castrate Christmas while he is still alive?

4. Why does Byron force an encounter with Brown after Brown flees from Lena in the cabin?

5. What does Hightower mean when he says the fading afternoon light is audible?

6. How does Mrs. Hines indirectly cause the death of Christmas, her grandson?

7. What is the symbolism of the odor in Hightower's house?

8. Why does Christmas refuse to marry Miss Burden and raise a family?

9. Why do the Negroes of Mottstown support Mr. Hines who preaches white supremacy in Negro churches?

10. Why does Christmas feel he will be safe at Miss Burden's place?

(see the answer keys)

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