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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 is Meridian's father doing when she visits him?

2. What is stuck on the walls of Meridian's house?

3. Which body part does Tommy Odds lose?

4. Who was Truman's daughter?

5. When does Meridian realize she has a feeling of love for Truman?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the irony of Lynne's character regarding being oppressed?

3. What is the difference between how Meridian and Truman view the story of the woman whose husband loved his dog more than he loved her?

4. How is the premise of Saxon College in stark contrast to the world Meridian knows?

5. What is ironic about what the government does with Mr. Hill's farm?

6. What is significant about the TV program that Lynne and Meridian watch in terms of discrimination against women?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

MERIDIAN is sometimes defined as being written in the historical fiction style. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of spirituality and ecstasy in Meridian's life. Under what circumstances does she reach this point? Is this something she can control? Does she consider it a gift or a curse?

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This section contains 977 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample