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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's thoughts are compared to ______________.

2. What task does Meridian do at the Civil Rights office?

3. From what state do three Civil Rights workers disappear?

4. In what state is the town of Chicokema?

5. What question does Meridian's mother ask her when Meridian tells her she has a feeling she can't shake?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Tommy Odds rape Lynne?

3. How does Meridian's spirituality differ from her mother's religion?

4. Explain how Lynne's guilt rules her life.

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

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

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

8. How does Meridian meet Truman?

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

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 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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book MERIDIAN? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 1,000 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample