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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 July of 1981, they travel to Haiti and meet up with a Haitian woman named ____________ who will undergo the initiation as well.

2. Danbala operates from the territory of ______________, asking questions.

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

4. Alourdes calls who to help her daughter?

5. This spirit is never satisfied, always craving more ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the purpose of the Ezili spirits?

5. 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?

6. 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?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many God-fearing people believe Vodou practitioners will go to hell.

Part 1) Describe a God-fearing person. How is Aunt Emma a God-fearing person? What is her purpose in this book? What does Mama Lola think about Aunt Emma and other God-fearing people? What does this say about Mama Lola and other Vodou practitioners?

Part 2) Why do many God-fearing people feel this way about Vodou practitioners? Should they feel this way? Why or why not? Mama Lola says she is a Christian. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Part 3) What are your own thoughts about those who are Christians and those who are not Christians. What are your own opinions regarding hell? Does hell exist? Should non-Christians be worried? Why or why not?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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