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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. Meridian has a feeling of ___________ that she can't shake.

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

3. What college does Meridian have the opportunity to attend?

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

5. What sign is posted in the restaurant window?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lynne's old house in the South symbolize for her?

2. How is Anne-Marion different from Meridian?

3. What vow did Meridian not know if she could keep as part of a revolutionary group in college?

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Tommy Odds rape Lynne?

9. What happens to Meridian when she finally succumbs to Truman's advances?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Walker uses more than one instance of irony in the story. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony. What is the major irony in the story? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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