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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. Marie Noelsine is befriended by Madame Fouchard, the local _____________ in Port-de-Paix.

2. What should Karen take?

3. In what town does the story take place?

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

5. Mauvant is what they call a _____________________ or a true African who has the spirits "on him" always.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is it like being a manbo? How does Alourdes feel about this?

4. Why is oral tradition important in this culture?

5. What do most Americans think of "voodoo?"

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

7. How are Sina and Philo similar? What actions do they take? What does this reveal about them?

8. Compare Azaka to Joseph Binbin Mauvant.

9. Describe Karen's understanding of Alourdes' "Queen Bee" behavior.

10. What sets Alourdes further apart from the poor Haitians?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

There are many short, fictitious stories in this book.

Part 1) Describe two of these short stories. How is each important to the book? What do they each reveal about Haiti, Alourdes' family, and/or Vodou?

Part 2) How are these stories representatives of Haiti's oral tradition? Why is oral history so important to Alourdes' culture? How are the people of Haiti influenced by stories such as these?

Part 3) How is oral history important to other cultures around the world? How is it also a part of American culture? Why might fictitious stories be universal? Why are they created by humans?

(see the answer keys)

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