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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 smell does the protagonist of "The First Day" notice each time she turns her head?

2. Where does Cassandra drive Gladys Harper?

3. Where do Betsy Ann's pigeons fly away to each morning?

4. What experience has taught Cassandra that asking questions can be dangerous?

5. Why does the protagonist's mother scold the protagonist while she is filling out paperwork in "The First Day"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the protagonist of "The First Day" describe the woman who greets her at Seaton Elementary?

3. Describe Robert's reaction to becoming a widower and single father in "The Girl Who Raised Pigeons."

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

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

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

7. Describe the final interaction between Caesar and Carol.

8. Describe the conditions in which Betsy Ann's cousin Ralph grows up.

9. What do the pigeons symbolize?

10. How does Robert treat his daughter Betsy Ann?

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

Analyze the role of community in the stories throughout this collection. How do people form community in Jones' work? What do their communities mean in their daily lives? What is Jones' commentary about the significance of community and social interaction?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,024 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample