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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 does Deacon Simms suggest they do about the problem of snakes in the area?

2. What does Dave Carter do after Jim Weston hits him?

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

4. What draws Joe Clarke's attention to Jim Weston and Dave Carter's fight?

5. Why does Jim Weston begin to play music?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Mrs. Thomas' show herself to be hypocrite with her response to Mrs. Blunt's request?

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

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

5. What request does Mrs. Blunt make concerning the trial? How is her request received by Joe Clarke?

6. Describe the nature of the disagreement between Sisters Taylor and Lewis.

7. 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?

8. Describe Daisy's reaction to the accusation that she has come between Dave and Jim.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes of "Mule Bone" is the criticism of religious intolerance. Using the authors' perspective, capture their points of view in an essay. Use specific examples that would mirror the types of complaints that Hughes and Hurston present in "Mule Bone."

Essay Topic 2

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 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 1,034 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample