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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. A man in Chapter 4 claims he knew a man like the one who was dunked in the river. He claims he did not die. What happened to him?

2. How many times is Hurston "sold" at the "toe party"?

3. What is the fight that breaks out in Chapter 2 about?

4. In Chapter 2, what topic do most of the stories cover?

5. In Chapter 4, what does Hurston claim that she does not want to do to the reader?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why might the name John be used in tales about slaves?

2. Explain the story of the two brothers who started churches in Chapter 2. What is message of this story?

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

4. What is the significance of the stories Hurston hears about the slave outsmarting the master or black men outsmarting white men?

5. Why is Hurston interested in learning about folktales?

6. Who is Babe Hill, and what role does she play in Hurston's book?

7. Why do you think there are debates over which folktales are true or which version is the "correct" one?

8. Where does Hurston arrive at the start of the book, and what is her purpose for traveling there?

9. Explain what a "toe dance" is and Hurston's experience at the "toe dance."

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

Describe Hurston's relationship with one of the Hoodoo practitioners. What does she learn from him or her? What spells or initiations does she perform with that person?

Essay Topic 2

How do the stories in Hurston's book address the theme of creation? Choose two examples of examples and explain how these examples contribute to the theme of creation.

Essay Topic 3

What is the benefit of this book being written in first person? How does it enhance the reader's experience? Why might Hurston have chosen to write the book this way rather then presenting a collection of tales?

(see the answer keys)

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