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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. How does Meridian feel when she learns she is pregnant?

2. For what does Tommy blame Lynne?

3. What is Truman's daughter's name?

4. Meridian's thoughts are compared to ______________.

5. Who has Truman married?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of Meridian leaving her railroad cap for Truman when she leaves?

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

4. What mysticism is associated with the serpent's mound?

5. With what group of people does Meridian's father sympathize and how does he show his compassion regarding the disposition of his farm?

6. What is Meridian's approach to helping people and getting them interested in voting?

7. Why do the girls not see that cutting down The Sojourner is a self destructive act?

8. Why is Lynne caught between two worlds?

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

10. How does Meridian's guilt escalate when she gives up her son to go to college?

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

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

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Walker use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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This section contains 904 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample