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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. What task does Meridian do at the Civil Rights office?

2. Who was the woman who planted the large magnolia tree?

3. What kind of business did George Daxter own?

4. What is Meridian's father doing when she visits him?

5. Who does Truman begin to date?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is guilt so prevalent in Meridian's life and how does it begin?

2. What is the significance of the synagogue bombing in Lynne's world?

3. What is the symbolism of the new branch growing from The Sojourner?

4. Why does Mrs. Hill think that having children has ruined her life?

5. What is the significance of Meridian leaving her railroad cap for Truman when she leaves?

6. What does Truman learn about where Meridian is living and her illness?

7. Explain why Truman is a product of black society especially in regard to his interactions with Meridian.

8. Why does Meridian begin getting very sick while at Saxon?

9. How does Meridian's spirituality differ from her mother's religion?

10. How are Truman's changing feelings for Lynne exacerbated by Tommy Odds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Walker is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of The Sojourner magnolia tree. What does it represent to the young women on campus? Why do they destroy it when their rights are denied? What is the significance of the new limb sprouting on the tree at the end of the story?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

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This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample