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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 does Sarny describe John's back when he arrives in Chapter 3?

2. What is the name of Mrs. Waller's sister?

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

4. From what device do Sarny and the other slaves eat their meals at the plantation?

5. What does John call out for from the slaves in the sleeping quarters on his first night at the plantation in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Sarny's birth and early childhood described in Chapter 1? Are Sarny's experiences common for slaves at this time?

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

5. What does Sarny describe thinking about as the others sleep in the slave quarters at night in Chapter 1?

6. How is John's appearance described when he first arrives at the plantation in Chapter 3?

7. How does Sarny describe Mammy's method of praying in Chapter 2? Why does Mammy pray this way?

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

9. What is foreshadowed by Sarny's description of the penny that she once found in Chapter 2?

10. How is Sarny's relationship with Mammy illustrated in Chapter 1? How does Mammy feel about the other children she cares for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the “barter” made between John and Sarny when they first meet. How does bartering or trading relate to the theme of monetary value in the novel? What does Sarny trade with John in order to learn “letters”? What does John gain from the arrangement?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the meaning and the value of money as seen through Sarny’s eyes in Nightjohn. What does Sarny remark about the monetary value that her mother brought for Waller? How does this perception of people as having a monetary value impact Sarny’s view of the world around her? What negative impacts might this outlook cause in a person’s self worth?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author’s depictions of violence and sexual assault in Nightjohn. What do you think is the importance of including these details of slave existence? Would the novel be as effective without its depictions of violence and abuse? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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