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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. Why does Meridian feel guilty about giving her baby away?

2. Why do the girls at the college riot?

3. What restaurant do the black men patronize with Lynne and Truman?

4. What happens to people in the serpent mound's tail?

5. With whom does Meridian's father share much compassion because of their plight?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the setting of "Free at Last."

2. How do Meridian's parents differ in their views of injustice?

3. What is Meridian's life like every day when she is seventeen with a baby?

4. Why does Truman go to Meridian while still being married to Lynne?

5. What is an important theme of the story introduced in the first section?

6. Why does Lynne think she is a good target for Tommy's rage?

7. What is life like for Truman and Lynne in the South?

8. What mysticism is associated with the serpent's mound?

9. How do Meridian and Truman help Margaret Treasure and why is this help the standard for how they approach people?

10. What is the nature of Truman and Lynne's relationship at the end of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Meridian Hill. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Walker's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where she did.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

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