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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 was the first slave not punished for cussing out the master in Chapter 5?

2. Who raced to two packages in Chapter 4?

3. When does Hurston travel to Pine Mill?

4. How man people arrive at "Mets" house to tell stories the first night?

5. What happens when Hurston arrives at Pine Mill?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the story in Chapter 2 which tells how a man decides to become a preacher.

2. Describe the story Jim Presley tells Hurston. How are black men better then white men in this story?

3. Describe Mathilda Mosley's story.

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

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

6. Describe the Everglades Cypress Lumber Company.

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

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

9. How does Hurston win acceptance at the Pine Mill?

10. How does John trick his master in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What was Hurston's purpose in writing this book? Did she achieve this purpose? What does the reader learn from this book?

Essay Topic 2

Define the term hyperbole. Provide three examples where hyperbole is used in the language Hurston uses or overhears.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Hurston's personality. How does Hurston change from the beginning to the end of the book? Why? Do you believe Hurston intended to grow when she wrote this book?

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