View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. While power liberates, it also can do what to those who wield it?

2. For how long do the ceremonies go on?

3. Fouchard understands that she must do what?

4. In what town does the story take place?

5. When she first meets Alphonse Macena, she is just a girl of __________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is oral tradition important in this culture?

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

5. How does jealousy affect the plot of this story?

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

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

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

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

10. How do you feel about Karen marrying Ogou? How does this marriage change the path of Karen's life? What does this also teach her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are four steps in the initiation ritual.

Part 1) What are these four steps? Describe and analyze each step. What is the purpose of each step? How does one step lead to another? What do these steps reveal or reinforce about Vodou?

Part 2) How does this initiation rite compare to rituals found in other religions and organizations? Why do these similarities exist?

Part 3) In what rituals have you participated? Why? How did you feel about these rituals and other religious rituals? Why is ritual important to humans?

Essay Topic 2

There is a growing need for Manbos.

Part 1) What is a manbo? How is this person important in Vodou culture? Why are manbos increasingly more important in Haiti? What does this reveal about Vodou culture and life in Haiti?

Part 2) How are these cultural changes seen in other cultures around the world? How is religion becoming more important in some cultures? Why?

Part 3) Would you want to be a manbo? Why or why not? Would you be able to accept a role such as this in another religious organization, if it were offered to you or asked of you? Why or why not? How do manbos reflect the role of religious leaders in a community?

Essay Topic 3

The truth about Vodou is told in this book.

Part 1) Summarize Vodouism. What are the truths about Vodouism? How do these truths compare to your initial thoughts about Vodou?

Part 2) How does Vodouism compare to other religions? What are the reasons for these similarities and differences?

Part 3) How has your opinion and knowledge of Vodou changed throughout the course of this book? How might this influence your opinions of other religions and beliefs?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,280 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample