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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 sign does Betsy Ann take to mean that the pigeons have decided to roost in her coop?

2. How does Rhonda die?

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the items the protagonist carries to school in "The First Day"?

4. What are Robert and Clara pretending to fight over?

5. A woman in "The First Day" has fashioned hair curlers out of which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Robert and Clara in "The Girl Who Raised Pigeons."

2. Why does the protagonist's mother slap her across the mouth in "The First Day"?

3. How does Robert treat his daughter Betsy Ann?

4. What is the central difference between Caesar and Sherman?

5. How does Cassandra respond to the fight she has with her brother-in-law?

6. How do Caesar and Carol steal from their mark?

7. How does Cassandra response to Roger's attempt to rape Melanie?

8. Discuss Caesar's feelings for Carol.

9. Describe the character of Cassandra G. Lewis in "The Night Rhonda Ferguson Was Killed".

10. Describe the environment in which Betsy Ann grows up.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the way in which race emerges as a theme in the stories. Although the book is comprised of a majority of black characters, Jones still approaches and interrogates notions of race in the United States. Using evidence from at least four stories, discuss the way in which Jones treats the topic of race. Why does he choose to focus entirely on African-American characters? How do these characters perceive their own racial identity and place with the society of the United States? Is this perception influenced by generation or class?

Essay Topic 2

Music is often an integral part of much African-American literature. Analyze the way in which music appears in this collection. Which stories most prominently feature music or musical elements? How does this music structure or shape the story? What does the music contribute to the characters or to the story itself?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the way in which the stories of "Lost in the City" comment on the role of aspirations and the "American Dream" within the African-American community. Using 3-4 of the stories in the collection, discuss the means through which the characters attempt to improve their socioeconomic status. Are these means within or outside of the established system? Do these strategies effective uplift members of the community? Why or why not? What is Jones' message about attempts to reach economic or social prosperity?

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