View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens when Bigger arrives at Bessie's apartment and he tries to kiss her?

2. Why does Bigger seem bothered that the newspaper only just wrote about him after he killed Mary?

3. What goes through Bigger's mind when he hears the music from the church?

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

5. What idea does Bigger get after Bessie mentions he is working near the site of the Leopold and Loeb case?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bigger's treatment when he was finally caught.

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

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

4. When Bigger awoke in the morning after Mary's death, what happened when he remembered what he had done the night before?

5. When did Bigger realize how quickly news was going to spread that he had killed Mary?

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

7. Why did Bigger decide to try to blame Jan and the Communist Party for the kidnapping?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Use of Actual Historical Events:

The author of this novel, Richard Wright, used actual historical events in the novel to bring more life to the story and to aid in his plot. In particular he mentioned the Scottsboro Boys and the Leob and Leopold Case. Write an essay about these cases and how they fit into the novel. Add any additional points used that were from real historical events.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,105 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample