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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. How do Alourdes and Maggie feel about the idea of having to deal with the American police?

2. When "Sina," as Macena calls her, becomes pregnant, Mauvant and the men from the community do what?

3. The compound is a grouping of huts for whom?

4. Many guests arrive for the ritual, and after ______________ to persuade the spirits to attend, Mama Lola becomes possessed by the spirit of Azaka.

5. Unfortunately, Fouchard's plan all along is to do what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the legend of Joseph Binbin Mauvant important?

2. What is the moral of the story in this chapter? How is this a significant lesson to learn?

3. What does the author say is the purpose of every other chapter in the book? What does this reveal about the author's role in writing these chapters?

4. How is jealousy significant in Haiti?

5. How is Marie Claire significant?

6. How is Sina's strength revealed in this chapter?

7. Describe a metaphor that can be found in this chapter. How is this interesting?

8. What important themes in the world of Haitian Vodou are seen in this chapter?

9. How is the character Jepete important?

10. Describe Vodou rituals and ceremonies as a whole. Give an example from this chapter that supports this.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The life of a Manbo is difficult.

Part 1) Describe the life of a manbo. How is it a part of Alourdes' family history? How has it affected her family? Is this good or bad? Why?

Part 2) How has the role of the manbo become increasingly necessary in Haitian culture? How does this affect Alourdes and other manbos? What does this also do to Vodou and its importance in Haitian culture?

Part 3) How have changes in our own culture led to more or less emphasis on religion? How is this seen in other cultures as well?

Essay Topic 2

Ezili represents the many facets of womankind.

Part 1) Who is Ezili? Describe the many forms of Ezili. Why is this significant in Haitian culture? What does it reveal about Haitian women?

Part 2) With which Ezili do you most relate? Why? Who in our own culture might represent the same type of woman as this Ezili?

Part 3) What women in our own culture best represent American women? Why? Are these the same women the American media promotes? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are strong ties between the women in this family.

Part 1) Describe the women in this family. How is their oral history important? How are these women tied to one another? Why is this important?

Part 2) How does Karen become connected with these strong women? Why does she want to create ties with them? Would you want to create ties with them? Would you want to be connected with this family? Why or why not?

Part 3) To whom are you connected? How did this connection come to exist? How important is this connection to you? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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