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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 remembers whose birth?

2. According to the Vodou philosophy, the world is a precarious place, and it is naïve to think what?

3. 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?

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

5. The first is a _____________ in order to dislodge the spirits in one's head.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What story takes place regarding Alourdes in the previous chapter? How is this related to this chapter?

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

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

6. What understanding does this chapter give us regarding Alourdes and her daughter?

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

8. What is one of the most important lessons learned about the practice of Vodou from reading this book? How is Karen's involvement in Mama Lola's story important to most readers of this book?

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

10. What similarity exists between Marie Claire and Maggie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

There are strong ties between the women in this family.

Part 1) Describe the women in this family. How is their oral history important? How are these women tied to one another? Why is this important?

Part 2) How does Karen become connected with these strong women? Why does she want to create ties with them? Would you want to create ties with them? Would you want to be connected with this family? Why or why not?

Part 3) To whom are you connected? How did this connection come to exist? How important is this connection to you? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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