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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 two words best describe Bigger in this opening part of the novel?

2. What is the theme of the movie Bigger and Jack go to see?

3. What is Vera doing at the YWCA?

4. After meeting Mrs. Dalton, what two things does Bigger note about her?

5. Who does Bigger decide to blame for Mary's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the two movies Bigger and his friends saw?

2. Why did Bigger want to kill the cat?

3. After all the gory details of the way he disposed of Mary's body, how was Bigger reacting?

4. Why do the Dalton's make Bigger feel so uncomfortable?

5. How does Bigger feel about his family?

6. Why does Bigger get so angry and violent with Gus when he says he'll go along with the robbery?

7. What does it mean about Bigger "Feeling his blackness," even more after Mary Dalton and Jan Erlone's attempts at being friendly?

8. Why does Bigger panic when Mrs. Dalton enters Mary's room while he is in there?

9. How does Bigger really feel about holding up Blum's Delicatessen?

10. Describe Bigger's home.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the very end of the story Max is upset when Bigger comes to the conclusion that it must have been good that he killed. In an essay explain Bigger's reasoning and how he came to that conclusion. Also explain what Max is trying to make Bigger understand after he comes to this conclusion. Why might the two men have different views on this subject?

Essay Topic 2

Fear, Flight and Fate Themes:

Write an essay about the way each of these themes were demonstrated in the story. Did any of them intertwine? If so, when/how?

Essay Topic 3

There are places in the story where Bigger demonstrates a keen ability to visualize a situation ahead of time to evaluate the outcomes. Was this an advantage or disadvantage to him in the story? Give examples in the essay.

(see the answer keys)

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