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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. In "The Store", how long had the protagonist been out of work before he responded to the ad in the newspaper?

2. What toy does Madeleine bring with her as Maddie drags the children out of the house?

3. In "Gospel", how old is Anita?

4. Who is the first member Vivian recruited in forming her Gospelteers?

5. In "The Store", how much does the protagonist make in a week working at the store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why the judge tells Samuel Williams Sr.'s lawyer that he cannot defend a man who will not defend himself.

2. Discuss Lydia's mother's reaction to the first boy she brings home.

3. Describe the woman Mildred's husband had an affair with.

4. In "An Orange Line Train to Ballston", describe the opening of the story.

5. Describe Lydia's lifestyle in "Lost in the City".

6. How do the Gospelteers respond to the fire at the church?

7. In "A Butterfly on F Street", describe Mildred's mental state.

8. In "Gospel", describe Vivian L. Slater's Sunday morning ritual.

9. Discuss the significance of the title of "His Mother's House".

10. How does the protagonist of "The Store" garner promotion within the store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Relationships between women are central to many of the stories in this collection. Select three stories from the collection and discuss the way in which women form community amongst themselves. How does Jones portray the bonds between women in these stories? Are they mutually supportive? Antagonistic? Do these relationships fill any particular needs for the women who form them?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the role of history in this collection of stories. On the micro level, how does personal history appear in the stories individually or as a group? On the macro level, how does national history influence the stories in the collection? Is history an inescapable force that determines all possibilities in the stories? Or, is it something that may be overcome? In your analysis, address one story in depth or discuss the overarching themes of history which connect several stories in the collection.

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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