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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. Why does Dave Carter strike back at Jim Weston?

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

3. What name does Sister Taylor call the girl who sasses back at her?

4. How does Joe Clarke defend himself against Sisters Taylor and Thomas when he arrives at the trial?

5. What complaint does Deacon Simms have about snakes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the crowd on the porch suggest to Dave and Jim about Daisy's intentions, and how do the men respond?

2. How do the women's attitudes toward Daisy differ from the men's?

3. What is the setting of Act I?

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

5. Why does Jim come to the conclusion that Dave was on his way to visit Daisy?

6. In Act III, why does Daisy threaten to leave after Dave arrives at the train tracks?

7. What kind of relationship does Daisy seem to have with her mother?

8. Describe the interaction between Sister Taylor and the children.

9. Why do both Jim and Dave resent the townspeople's interference in their argument?

10. What does Sister Taylor mean when she says that "De bear is walkin' de earth lak a natural man"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Money plays an important role in the relationships of the characters in the play. See how many times money is mentioned in references to romantic relationships. What does this suggest about the people involved in these relationships and their partners? Why does money seem to play such an important role? Be sure to include specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

From beginning to end, Act 3 is much more about Jim's and Dave's relationship than it is about Daisy's relationship with either of the men. Prove this observation by providing and analyzing evidence that reflects the importance of their relationship to the scene.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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