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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. When Bigger returns to the basement to shake down the ashes, what stops him?

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

3. What did Bigger's mother say to him after she awakens the morning after the killing?

4. How does Bigger compare his family to Mary Dalton?

5. Where does Bigger make his last stand?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the one problem Bigger feels he has to do before he will be okay?

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

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

5. How did Bigger feel about killing Bessie?

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

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

8. As Bigger arrived at the Dalton home on the morning after Mary's murder how was he feeling?

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

10. Bigger was very much interested in reading about himself in the newspapers. Of what significance was this?

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

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.

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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