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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. How is building Bigger chose as the lookout point for the money drop described in the story.
(a) A vacant building in the slums.
(b) A large, white building.
(c) A white, vacant, quiet building.
(d) A tall, white and silent building.

2. What happens after Jan Erlone sees Bigger on the street and offers to help him, then invites him out for coffee to talk about the situation?
(a) Bigger runs away.
(b) Bigger pulls a gun on Jan Erlone.
(c) Jan Erlone runs away when he sees Bigger has a knife.
(d) Bigger tells Jan Erlone he doesn't need his help.

3. How does Bigger feel committing murder has changed his life?
(a) He is afraid he will spend the rest of his life on the run.
(b) He feels it has opened the door to opportunity.
(c) It has given meaning to his life.
(d) He feels powerful and ready to kill again.

4. What does Bigger begin to wish for all blacks?
(a) That someone will bring them together to make their lives better.
(b) That they will one day make their own laws and rules.
(c) That one day blacks will one day be equal to whites.
(d) That they will become superior to the whites and treat them like they have been treated.

5. The South Side Real Estate Company is what to Bigger?
(a) The company Bigger dreams of one day owning.
(b) The South Side Real Estate Company is nothing to Bigger.
(c) The company where Bigger hopes to one day work.
(d) The company to whom he pays rent for his family's rat-infested room.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book Two Bigger is feeling very confident and powerful, except when he sleeps and dreams. What does he dream about after his first meeting with Britten.

2. What happens when Britten backs Bigger against the wall and grabs his collar asking him about the pamphlets Jan Erlone gave him?

3. What things does Mrs. Dalton question Bigger about when she comes to his room?

4. After he returns to work at the Dalton house, what happens when Peggy asks Bigger to tend to the furnace because it has been running too hot?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. The morning after Mary's killing, as Bigger rode the street car on his way back to the Dalton house, he spent a lot of time reflecting on the plight of black people. Explain what Bigger thought would be a solution to their fear and shame.

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

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

5. What is the one problem Bigger feels he has to do before he will be okay?

6. 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?

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

8. What was Bessie's reaction when Bigger arrived at her apartment the morning after the murder of Mary?

9. How did Bigger feel about killing Bessie?

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

(see the answer keys)

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