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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. In Chapter 9, what threat does the Quarter Boss make?

2. What does Hurston learn in the letter from Big Sweet?

3. In the story about firing the gun out the doorway, what is the cause of the strange noise?

4. What game is going on at the joint in Chapter 9?

5. What is hoodoo founded on?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Dr. Samuel Jenkins? What is his clientele like? Why do you think he chooses to work with these people?

2. What is ironic about the story where a slave is afraid to shoot his master's gun uphill?

3. Describe Hurston's final story in Chapter 7 about the rat and the cat.

4. Describe the life of Marie Leveau.

5. What does Hurston believe Hoodoo is about? Who is Hurston's first teacher?

6. Describe the spell Luke Turner casts to drive a man out of town? What did his customer want him to do originally, and why did she change her mind?

7. Why do people say "unh-hunh" ?

8. Who saves Hurston from the fight at the wedding and how?

9. What is the significance of Eve of St. John's in Chapter 2?

10. Who is Mark C. Ford ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the song John Henry? Analyze one verse from the song and explain how it relates to black history.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between Hurston and Mr. Pitts. What role does each person fill in the other person's life? Explain two ways that Mr. PItts helps Hurston or vice versa.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the interaction between the community during storytelling. What role does storytelling play in the community? What does Hurston learn during these gatherings?

(see the answer keys)

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