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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. Philo catches the black fever plaguing Haiti. During her recovery, Ageou visits Philo in a dream and tells her what?

2. ______________ is an elusive creature of the deep sea, a siren.

3. When he finds her, she repeatedly refuses service to him. Why?

4. What does the spirit do to Philo?

5. It is noted that what was removed at the same time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Philo feel about Alourdes? Why might she feel this way?

2. Why do the initiates do the answer to number 55 in the cemetery?

3. How is myth important in Alourdes' life of Vodou?

4. Who is important in this chapter? Why is she important in comparison to Alourdes?

5. What is learned about the choices made regarding the women in this culture?

6. Who does Aunt Emma represent? Why is this important?

7. How has Alourdes been like Ezili?

8. What is Alourdes' main role in Vodou? Describe her actions in this role. Why does she act this way?

9. What is learned about participating in the initiation rite?

10. What does this chapter reiterate about the responsibility of serving the spirits?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Imagery and metaphors are used frequently throughout this book.

Part 1) Describe the imagery and metaphors found in this book. How are these connected to the stories in this book and the book as a whole?

Part 2) How is imagery important in oral traditions? Why is it so important? How is this importance reflected in this book?

Part 3) What other literary devices can be found in this book? How are they used? Are they effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

An oral tradition is strong in Hatian culture.

Part 1) Describe oral tradition. What constitutes an oral tradition? How is this strong in the Haitian culture? Why is it so strong in the Haitian culture? How is this tied to Vodou?

Part 2) How are oral traditions and histories important in other cultures? How do these cultures compare to the Haitian Vodou cultures? What do all cultures with strong oral traditions have in common? Why?

Part 3) How is oral history important in your own culture? Is it as important as it was in the past? Why or why not? How does increased literacy affect oral traditions?

(see the answer keys)

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