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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 does Cora first blame for the comment Billy makes, then realizes blame lies with Bert?

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

3. What comment does little Billy make?

4. He knows he is neither black nor white, and he looks just like who?

5. As the action opens, what are Norwood and Cora discussing?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Sallie. What does she do when she enters the room?

3. What is Sam doing at the beginning of the scene?

4. What do Cora, William, and Bert discuss?

5. How does Cora respond to the Undertaker?

6. How does Bert respond this time? What is Cora's advice to him?

7. How does Cora react when she comes down the stairs? How does Bert seem?

8. What does this guest say about Bert?

9. What does Cora tell him to do?

10. What do Cora and William discuss?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bert is filled with hatred.

Part 1) Who does he hate? Why?

Part 2) What has caused this hatred? Is he able to rid himself of this hatred? Why or why not?

Part 3) How does Bert's hatred reflect that of many African Americans at this time in American history?

Essay Topic 2

Higgins chides Norwood for keeping a black mistress like a wife.

Part 1) Why does Norwood keep Cora in his home like a wife? How does this affect Cora?

Part 2) Does Higgins' attitude towards Norwood's behavior reflect the views of other white people in town? Why or why not?

Part 3) How does Norwood respond to Higgins' chiding? Why does he respond this way? What are your thoughts on his relationship with Cora?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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