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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. Who collapses after taking the children to see the exhibit at the circus?

2. Why do the girls at the college riot?

3. What does Meridian's mother feel about the teachers who teach her children?

4. For whom did Meridian's father mourn?

5. Who does Meridian date while at Saxon?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Meridian's work in the civil rights office begin to open up her world?

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

3. Why is Lynne caught between two worlds?

4. What is the meaning of Meridian's burying the gold under a magnolia tree as a child?

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

6. How does Meridian try to affect change without resorting to violence?

7. Describe how Meridian's inner turmoil begins to exhibit physically. What is the significance of Meridian's illness?

8. How does Meridian meet Truman?

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

10. What is Meridian's goal in tending to both Lynne and Truman after the death of their daughter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Create a brief character study of Lynne. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample