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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 do the girls at the college riot?

2. What physical problems does Meridian begin to suffer?

3. Why does Meridian allow her boss to kiss and fondle her?

4. Meridian's feelings of guilt are only abated by ________________.

5. What was Meridian unable to believe existed during her childhood?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is a second important theme in the book which arises with the spectacle of the mummy?

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

4. How does Truman encounter Meridian after so many years in the town of Chicokema?

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

6. What role does the church play in the Civil Rights movement?

7. What is Lynne's view of black people?

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

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

10. Whose funeral is held in "Free at Last" and why is it viewed from the perspective of poor, black people?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Create a brief character study of Truman Held. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him, if anything, at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Meridian, Truman and Lynne. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, socialization, and any other key attributes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,155 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample