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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 does Malcolm say he gives to an undercover police officer in this chapter?

2. What does Malcolm have to use for a toilet in his cell?

3. What nickname is Malcolm given in prison?

4. Who does Sammy contact in this chapter?

5. What kind of school did Malcolm have to attend while at the Gohannas?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way are Malcolm's problems getting worse in Chapter 8?

2. Describe Malcolm's job with the madam?

3. What do Malcolm's early life experiences teach him?

4. Describe Laura.

5. What does Alex Haley write in this chapter,written after Malcolm's death?

6. Describe Harlem while Malcolm is living there.

7. Describe what Malcolm calls the turning point in his life.

8. Describe Malcolm's parents.

9. Why does Malcolm decide to take a course in English?

10. How does Malcolm react to the idea he could be assassinated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss differences between the novel and autobiography formats. What are the main elements of a novel? What are the main elements of an autobiography? What can novelists express that an autobiographer cannot? How can autobiographies keep to the facts while still maintaining a level of entertainment?

Essay Topic 2

Haley was also an African American whose family suffered slavery and racism. Adhering to the rule that writers should always write about what they know, do you think it is obvious that Haley knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Haley does not portray a person or setting so well? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

At one point the book uses Boston as a setting.

1) What meaning does Boston bring to the book? What would you automatically link with someone who grew up in Boston?

2) How different do you think today's Boston is to the Boston in the book? How do you think the book's meaning would change if it were set in today's Boston?

3) How do you think the setting contributes to the book's humor?

(see the answer keys)

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