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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. In Haiti, before she moved to America, Alourdes, like most other Haitian women, did whatever it took to feed herself and her family, including what?

2. In ______________, Alourdes' son William, who is mentally retarded, is arrested for a purse snatching.

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

4. In the end, what happens in William's case?

5. His medicine, his power, is with him naturally, and he has no need even for what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What other imagery is used in this chapter? How does it affect the reader? What message does this imagery send?

3. How is jealousy significant in Haiti?

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

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

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

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

8. What is the connection between one's power and the will of the spirits in the world of Vodou?

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

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

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

Vodou is a part of Haitian culture.

Part 1) Describe Vodou and Haitian culture. How is Vodou incorporated into everyday life in Haiti? How is it also similar to other religions?

Part 2) What religions are important and influential in the U.S.? How does religion affect the lives of many Americans? How does it influence the way our country was created and is now organized and run?

Part 3) Is religion a part of your own life? If so, how If not, why not? How different might your life be if you practiced Vodou? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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