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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How much money does Mrs. Waller say that her husband just spent on a new hand in Chapter 2?
(a) Over $1,000.
(b) About $10,000.
(c) Under $100.
(d) About $500.

2. How is John attired when he first arrives at the plantation in Chapter 3?
(a) He is wearing a cape.
(b) He is nude.
(c) He is wearing a night gown.
(d) He is wearing canvas pants.

3. What does Sarny say is forbidden in the slaves' sleeping quarters in Chapter 3?
(a) Food.
(b) Light.
(c) Water.
(d) Beds.

4. In Chapter 1, Sarny says that some believed she brought Nightjohn to the plantation by what manner?
(a) Begging the master.
(b) Witchery.
(c) Train.
(d) Acting intelligent.

5. What does Sarny think about when she finally lays down in bed at the end of Chapter 3?
(a) Mrs. Waller's dog.
(b) Her mother.
(c) The letter A.
(d) Her father.

Short Answer Questions

1. What refers to the laws in each U.S. state which defined the status of slaves and the rights of masters?

2. What does Sarny say her last name is in Chapter 1?

3. What is the name of the slave that raises Sarny?

4. What major theme of the novel emerges in Chapter 3?

5. What does John tell Sarny she will have to learn before she can learn to read in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were slaves forbidden education historically? How is this depicted in the novel?

2. How does Mr. Waller behave toward John as he brings him into the plantation in Chapter 3?

3. How does the author illustrate Sarny's only encounter with money in Chapter 2?

4. What imagery and/or symbolism is used in describing the slaves on the plantation in Chapter 2?

5. How does the author describe the regulations and rules regarding slaves and religion in Chapter 2?

6. What is the significance of John's scars when he first appears? Why do you think Waller chose John despite those scars?

7. What is the trade that John offers to make with Sarny in Chapter 3? How does Sarny feel about the offer?

8. How does Sarny describe the process of meals for the slaves at the plantation in Chapter 3?

9. What work is Sarny doing on the plantation in the beginning of Chapter 2? How does she feel about this chore?

10. How would you describe the narrator of the story? Is the narrator directly involved in the action of the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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