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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 story does Mathilda Mosley tell in Chapter 2?

2. In what state does the author spend most of her time collecting stories?

3. Where were the drawers hanging when the second slave was beaten in Chapter 5?

4. Why does Hurston go to Pine Mill?

5. In Chapter 4, what does Hurston initially think of the people in the city where she stops?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mathilda Mosley's story.

2. Describe the differences between the two slaves' actions in Joe Wiley's story.

3. Describe the Everglades Cypress Lumber Company.

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

5. Why is it significant that a woman listens to the devil's advice in Mathilda Mosley's story?

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

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

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

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

10. Why do people treat Hurston differently at the Pine Mill? How do they act around her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one story Hurston hears while on her travels and discuss its influence on the community. What message is the story trying to convey? Why does Hurston choose to illustrate this story in her book?

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

Define the term voice. Who is the voice of this story? Why did Hurston elect to use this method?

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