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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 Bert feel about his actions?

2. How does Bert react to their explanation?

3. Who is the first-born son of Cora and the Colonel?

4. What will the Colonel not tolerate from a "darkie," especially his own child?

5. How is Bert also riling up the white townspeople?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Sam upset and scared?

2. Why is Bert no longer the Colonel's favorite?

3. What happens as Talbot enters?

4. Who does Bert pass as he leaves?

5. What is Cora's response to William's request?

6. What does Cora try to do, one more time, regarding Bert?

7. How does Bert try to justify his position?

8. What does Norwood say about his treatment of his "darkies?"

9. Who is Sam? What does he ask to Colonel?

10. What does Cora tell Bert, when he says he will no longer work in the fields?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Norwood and Bert have much in common.

Part 1) Prove this statement.

Part 2) How do these similarities reflect the theme of this play and the plays deeper meaning?

Part 3) What role do these similarities play in the advancement of the plot of the play? Could these two characters have been able to act any differently towards one another? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The two men in the center of the conflict in this play are gone.

Part 1) How do their deaths affect or will affect the other characters in this play? Explain.

Part 2) What is the author's purpose for their deaths?

Part 3) Compare and contrast the audience members' thoughts about these deaths in the 1930s and today. What accounts for the similarities and differences?

Essay Topic 3

The characters walk a fine line regarding the parentage of Cora's children.

Part 1) How do they each walk a fine line? Why do they walk a fine line?

Part 2) Do others in the community do the same as well? Why or why not?

Part 3) What is the purpose for this denial? How does this denial affect the plot of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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