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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. During what month does the story take place?

2. What is one of Frankie's fears?

3. What does F. Jasmin say is her favorite color?

4. What is Bernice's profession?

5. Which characters says, "It looks to me like everything has just walked off and left me."

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Frankie's initial reaction to her brother's engagement?

2. How do Big Mama's words foreshadow what will happen at the wedding?

3. What is the significance of the radio constantly playing in Part 1?

4. What brings the wedding feeling back to F. Jasmin on her way home?

5. Why does F. Jasmin end up sitting on Berenice's lap?

6. Who is Lily Mae Jenkins?

7. Describe Mary Littlejohn and her family.

8. Describe Frankie.

9. What does Berenice translate what she thinks F. Jasmin is saying? How does this help F. Jasmin?

10. What changes does the month of November bring for Frances, Berenice, and John Henry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think the author chose to use a narrator to tell Frankie's story? Why did the author not use the first person narrative to portray her struggle to belong to a group? Please use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

What role does Janice's character play in the novel? Why does the author choose to introduce Janice to reader in the manner that he does? Why is Janice's character significant? Please use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

How does Big Mama's prediction about F. Jasmin's future regarding the roads, trains, and money, foreshadow what comes later in the novel? Please use specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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