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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. Where does Bigger say white people live?

2. What is the title of the first part of the novel?

3. After winning the battle with "the beast" what does Bigger do?

4. Tell whom the lone witness to Bigger's crime is?

5. What does Bigger daydream about during the second movie?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Bigger realized Mary was dead, why didn't he even consider just telling the truth?

2. Why did Bigger want to kill the cat?

3. Why does Bigger need to get a job?

4. Describe Bigger's home.

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

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

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

8. Why did Bigger decide to put Mary's body in the trunk?

9. What did he find outside near the car on the night of Mary's death, and what did he do with it?

10. What were Bigger's two final concerns about the burning body?

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

Write an essay on the way the author, Richard Wright wrote this story, demonstrates both sides of the "nature versus nurture" theory. This is particularly strong when Max testifies to the court about Bigger's life. In the essay describe various parts of the story and how they reinforce both aspects of the theory.

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism of words "White" and "Black"

The author of this novel, Richard Wright, has used the words "Black" and "White" heavily throughout this novel. Write an essay on the symbolism of these words, using several examples of each from the novel. Include whether or not the words influenced you at all as you read it.

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