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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Bigger finally shakes down the ashes, but he doesn't remove them from the furnace, he just adds more coal. What happens then?
(a) The fire goes out and Bigger must restart it.
(b) The fire is smothered and the basement fills with smoke.
(c) The room fill with smoke so Bigger has to get a fan to blow it out the basement window.
(d) The fire starts to get hot again.

2. What does Bigger finally do after wandering the streets looking for food and shelter?
(a) He steals a loaf of bread then hides in an alley to eat it.
(b) He hides with a group of homeless people living near the river.
(c) He buys a loaf of bread then finds an empty apartment to break into.
(d) He steals a loaf of bread then finds an empty apartment to break into.

3. After he recalls killing Mary Dalton, what did Bigger realize he left in plain sight of his mother and his siblings?
(a) The pamphlets Jan gave him
(b) The knife
(c) His bloody clothing
(d) Mary's purse

4. When Bessie again declares she won't help Bigger with is ransom plan, what does bigger do to persuade her?
(a) Reminds her she has already helped him steal enough to land her in jail. He also threatens to slap her.
(b) He threatens to beat her if she doesn't do what he wants.
(c) He holds a knife in a threatening way and warns her she had better help him.
(d) He tells her it will be over between them if she doesn't help him.

5. What does Bigger contemplate while standing on the rooftop?
(a) Jumping to his death.
(b) Shooting himself.
(c) Trying to look for a fire escape.
(d) Trying to jump to the next building.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Bigger leaves Bessie and returns to the Dalton's house what does Peggy tell him to do and why?

2. Where does Bigger first go after leaving his home the morning after Mary's murder?

3. What did Buddy tell Bigger happened the night before?

4. How is building Bigger chose as the lookout point for the money drop described in the story.

5. What does Bigger do to Bessie after they go to the old building to hide?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although Bigger was very quick with his deceit and able to think on his feet, so to speak, in what way was he becoming his own worst enemy?

2. What deterred the Daltons from being excessively concerned when they found Mary wasn't in the house the morning after she was murdered?

3. What was Bigger's fatal mistake in his plan to dispose of Mary's body?

4. Bigger was very much interested in reading about himself in the newspapers. Of what significance was this?

5. What did Bigger's brother, Buddy, have to say to him?

6. In Book two, what does Bigger do at the drug store?

7. In what ways was Bigger's capture similar to the opening of the book when Bigger chased, eventually killing the rat?

8. What was the argument Bigger had with his family as he tried to pack his things the day after Mary's death?

9. What is the Loeb and Leopold case that gave Bigger the idea to pretend Mary was kidnapped and collect a ransom?

10. What kind of power did Bigger have over Bessie that she continued to obey his direction even though she knew it was wrong?

(see the answer keys)

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