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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. In book two, how do the reporters decide to frame their stories?

2. What does Jan Erlone think when he hears Bigger's lie about him?

3. While hidden Bigger reads a newspaper about the search for him. Why do the authorities still think Jan Erlone is the mastermind behind the entire murder and ransom?

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

5. What does Bigger finally do after wandering the streets looking for food and shelter?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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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