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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. The incident shows that McCarthy Brown is what?

2. Who should Karen marry?

3. The chapter about the spirit Azaka, or "Kouzen Zaka" begins with Karen telling the story of her journey to Mama Lola's home in ______________.

4. The journey into rural Haiti is ____________ one.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Marie Claire significant?

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

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

5. How are vodou ideals understood? Give an example from the text that supports this. How might a modern-day American reader feel about this?

6. Why is oral tradition important in this culture?

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

8. What contrast is discussed in this chapter? Describe this contrast.

9. What all-important concept is discussed in this chapter? Give an example.

10. What is revealed about the relationship between Mama Lola and the spirits in this chapter? How is this relationship important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The women in this culture are very strong.

Part 1) Describe Haitian women. How do they compare to women of other cultures? Why might these similarities and differences exist?

Part 2) How do Haitian women compare to Haitian men? Why are their roles designated in this way How do these gender roles compare to other cultures?

Part 3) How have the roles of women changed in Haiti? How does this compare to the changes of how women are viewed in other parts of the world today?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Gede's dominon is the realm of death.

Part 1) Who is Gede? What is his role in Vodou? How important is he in Vodouism? Why? What is his connection to the other Vodou spirits?

Part 2) To whom can Gede be compared? What are the similarities and differences between Gede and this person or spirit? What do these spirits reveal about those who believe in them?

Part 3) What is the female version of Gede? How is she coming into existence? Why is she coming into existence? What does belief in her reveal about Haitian and Vodou culture?

(see the answer keys)

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