View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Sister Taylor, how ugly is Deacon Lindsay?

2. How do the sisters Taylor and Thomas treat Deacon Simms when he arrives?

3. Where has Daisy been before her return to town?

4. On whose side is Joe Clarke in the matter of Jim Weston?

5. Why does Joe Clarke tell Marshal Lum Boger to save the mule bone?

Short Essay Questions

1. What outcome does Deacon Simms expect from the trial?

2. What does the description of the Baptist church details suggest about the congregation?

3. Why are people confused by the ringing of the church bell?

4. What comments do Sisters Taylor and Thomas have about Joe Clarke when he approaches them on his way to the trial?

5. Why is Lum Boger unable to testify about the fight between Dave and Jim?

6. According to Sister Thomas, why is Joe Clarke siding with the Baptists in the fight over Jim's trial?

7. How does Jim react to meeting Daisy as she is on her way back to town?

8. Why does Sister Taylor struggle to read the sign posted on the tree?

9. How does the ending of the play confirm that Jim and Dave have reconciled their friendship?

10. Why is Deacon Simms headed the wrong way when Sisters Taylor and Thomas see him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many people who read "Mule Bone" feel that the play should not be staged because of the satirical picture it presents of African-American life. Hughes and Hurston filled the play with exaggerated stereotypes in an attempt to allow African-Americans to laugh at themselves. To the authors, a culture can never truly be equal unless it has the freedom to laugh at itself. However, others feel -- even today -- that the play is demeaning and should not be given attention. Defend or attack the authors' position. Should the play be produced and staged? Why or why not? Provide examples from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the importance of satire in the play. Where do the authors include satire, and what aspects of society are they criticizing? How effective are their attempts at satire? Provide examples from the text to support your point.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the struggle between Joe Clarke and Deacon Simms. What seems to be at the root of their animosity toward each other? How does each use the trial as an excuse to gain power over the other? Provide examples from the text to support your points.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 989 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample