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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. Alourdes and Maggie have the responsibility of keeping the women of this line, Sina, Philo and beyond, as well as the family spirits, alive with what?

2. What does Philo not want to do?

3. First, upon arrival in Haiti, the group visits _______________ where a ritual cleansing is performed.

4. Back to the present time in the hospital, Maggie is undergoing a procedure where what must be dislodged?

5. This mothering spirit is tough and strict and sometimes very ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the similarity described in number 45 significant?

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

3. Compare the focus on morality and sexuality in the Vodou culture as compared the many people in America? How do these differences affect many Americans' views of Vodou?

4. How do each of the four initiates handle the initiation rites? Who handles it the best?

5. What is Alourdes' response regarding Catholic priests? What does this reveal about Haitians?

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

7. How has Alourdes been like Ezili?

8. What is one of the best stories in this chapter? Why?

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

10. What is significant about Karen's marriage to Papa Danbala?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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