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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 the younger brother at the end of the story in Chapter 2 do for a living?

2. What happened to the man in the story in Chapter 4 that was dipped in the river?

3. How does Mr. Pitts plan to demonstrate his feelings towards Hurston?

4. When does a "toe party" really start to get wild?

5. What street does Hurston stay on when she arrives in town?

Short Essay Questions

1. What example does Hurston use to describe justice in Chapter 4, and what is Hurston's opinion about justice?

2. Describe the story John French tells in Chapter 3.

3. Describe the Everglades Cypress Lumber Company.

4. What is the story Hurston hears about the Johnstown flood?

5. Why do you think the people of Eatonville were eager to share their stories and culture with Hurston?

6. Describe the interaction between Hurston and Mr. Pitts.

7. How does Hurston manage to fit into the Everglades Cypress Lumber Company community?

8. Describe Mathilda Mosley's story.

9. Why is Hurston interested in learning about folktales?

10. What is Shug's reaction to Julius Henry's story, and why might she react this way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the depression affect the lives of the people Hurston meets? How does it affect their interaction with Hurston?

Essay Topic 2

Hurston's book contains several folktales and traditions from the black community. Why are folktales important to keeping tradition alive? Cite one story Hurston hears and explain how the story keeps history alive and vibrant.

Essay Topic 3

How does Hurston's life provide the inspiration for writing "Mules and Men"? Provide examples from Hurston's life that lead to her passion for researching folklore and Hoodoo. How does this topic bring her closer to her culture?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 757 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample