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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. Where are the flower beds described that Sarny tends from time to time in Chapter 1?
(a) In the front entrance to the slave quarters.
(b) By the roadside under the elm tree.
(c) In the back garden of the slave quarters.
(d) Below the big window on the white house.

2. What is Sarny doing when the master arrives with John in Chapter 3?
(a) Changing the babies' diapers.
(b) Watering the flower garden.
(c) Cleaning the eating trough.
(d) Feeding the chickens.

3. What word from Chapter 3 refers to a person who manages slaves on a plantation?
(a) Dunce.
(b) Overseer.
(c) Maestro.
(d) Vestibule.

4. What word from Chapter 3 refers to a ring or fastening of iron or wood used for securing the wrist, ankle, etc.?
(a) Vestibule.
(b) Chattel.
(c) Promontory.
(d) Shackle.

5. How does Sarny describe Mrs. Waller's sister in Chapter 2?
(a) Dried up and mean.
(b) Soft spoken and meek.
(c) Gentle and kind.
(d) Proud and beautiful.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sarny remark about her birth in Chapter 1?

2. How old was Sarny when her birth mother was sold?

3. What does Sarny say that the slaves call the master and mistress when they are in the slave quarters and out of hearing in Chapter 2?

4. How would you describe the treatment of the slaves on Waller's plantation?

5. How much money does Mrs. Waller say that her husband just spent on a new hand in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sarny overhear from the white house while she works in Chapter 2?

2. How is Sarny's character introduced to the reader in Chapter 1? What does Sarny say brought Nightjohn to her?

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

4. How would you describe the tone and mood of the novel as established in Chapter 1?

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

6. What does Mammy measure on the sticks that she keeps for each child on the plantation? Why?

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

8. What is significant about the animal imagery that is seen in Chapter 3?

9. How would you describe the dialect and language style established in Chapter 1?

10. How does John behave toward the other slaves after his arrival in Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

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