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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. She is taken back to _______________.

2. Why does Sina decide to "give" Philo, her baby, to Madame Fouchard?

3. In this chapter we learn about Alourdes' Grandmother, ______________.

4. He is a "grimo," or _____________ man.

5. There are _______ different subdivisions of Ogou.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sina's character reveal about women in this culture? How do the women compare to the men?

2. How do Alourdes and Maggie feel in American culture? Should they feel this way? Why or why not?

3. What is Alourdes' purpose for arranging the 'manje pov?'

4. Why is a manbo especially important in Haiti during the present time?

5. How is Marie Claire significant?

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

7. What does this chapter reveal about the Mauvant family and life in Haiti and in the Mauvant family compound?

8. How does one feel regarding Karen? Is it easy to sympathize with her? Why or why not?

9. 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?

10. How is jealousy significant in Haiti?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jealousy is a theme.

Part 1) Describe jealousy as it is found in this book? How is jealousy a theme? How does jealousy affect the lives of the characters in this book and in the lives of Haitians in general?

Part 2) How frequently are you jealous? Is jealousy a concern in the U.S. as it is in Haiti? Why or why not?

Part 3) What are two other themes found in this book? Describe these themes. How are they tied to the book and to each other?

Essay Topic 2

Karen's involvement in Vodou develops throughout this book.

Part 1) Describe Karen's involvement in Vodou at the beginning of this book? What has drawn her to Mama Lola and the subject of Vodou?

Part 2) How do her feelings regarding Vodou change over the course of the book? What causes these changes? How does this in turn change significant aspects of Karen's life and beliefs?

Part 3) What were your original beliefs regarding Vodou prior to reading this book? How did your views change over the course of reading this book? What led to these changes? How might these changes affect your beliefs regarding other religions and beliefs?

Essay Topic 3

The roles of men and women are very different in Haitian culture.

Part 1) Describe the roles of men and women in Haitian culture. How are these roles revealed throughout this book? How is Vodou connected to these roles?

Part 2) How does this explain and reinforce the strength of the women in Alourdes' family? How might it also play a part in drawing Karen into Haitian and Vodou culture?

Part 3) What are the roles of men and women in your own culture? How have these roles come about? How do they compare to the roles in Haitian culture?

(see the answer keys)

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