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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. How many people are searching for Bigger?

2. Why does Mr. Dalton refuse to have Jan Erlone picked up by the police for questioning?

3. What happens when the first police officer comes through the trap door to the rooftop?

4. How do the police finally catch Bigger?

5. Before Bigger puts more coal on the fire, what is he certain he sees in the furnace?

Short Essay Questions

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

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. 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.

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

6. What things made the Daltons begin to worry about their daughter being gone?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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