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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. What explanation does Sister Thomas offer to explain Joe Clarke's decisions regarding the trial?

2. Where is Deaconr Simms headed when he meets Sisters Taylor and Thomas?

3. According to Sister Taylor, what is Joe Clarke trying to look like as he heads to the trial?

4. With what does Jim Weston hit Dave Carter?

5. Why does Sister Jones say she won't testify for Jim Weston?

Short Essay Questions

1. About what do the men on the porch tease Teets and Bootsie? How do the girls respond?

2. What is the setting of Act I?

3. Describe Elder Simms' attitude toward the people of the town.

4. Describe Joe Clarke's treatment of Lum Boger.

5. What does Sister Thomas keep saying she needs to do throughout Act 2, Scene 1? Why does it take so long for her to finally do it?

6. How do the Methodists and Baptists continue their argument into Act 3?

7. How do Jim's and Dave's attitudes toward Daisy change at the end of Act 3?

8. How do the different congregations react when the participants of the trial enter?

9. Describe the men's reaction to Deacon Simms' arrival.

10. What do the other characters think of Mrs. Roberts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hughes and Hurston wrote "Mule Bone" as a homage to the use of humor in overcoming adversity. Oppressed cultures often rely on humor as a means of survival, and among Southern post-slavery African-Americans, humor and sarcasm were a means of attacking others and of expressing affection. Describe how this concept emerges in "Mule Bone." In what ways does humor strengthen bonds, and in what ways is it used to attack others? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Because of the falling out between the authors, "Mule Bone" is actually an unfinished play. Review the play and critique it. What changes would you suggest to improve upon the current version? Look at the notes about name changes as well. What versions of names would you use? How would you change or enhance some scenes? Be sure to refer to specific sections and examples as you discuss the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,023 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample