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

2. What does Mammy pray for when Sarny witnesses her praying in Chapter 2?

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

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

5. What does Sarny enjoy doing every evening after the slaves eat?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. When is the first time that Sarny describes hearing the word "free" in Chapter 2? What were her perceptions of this word?

8. What intrigues and inspires Sarny to want to learn to read and write? What risks does she take in doing so?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine and discuss the themes of cruelty and abuse in Nightjohn. In what ways do Waller’s actions in the narrative appear cruel? Do you think that Waller derives pleasure from the abuse and torture of his slaves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Clel Waller in Nightjohn. How old is Clel Waller? How would you describe Sarny’s opinions of Master Waller? How do the other slaves feel about the master? How does Waller’s character evolve in the course of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the character of Sarny as the protagonist and narrator of Nightjohn. How does Sarny describe her role in the story in Chapter 1? What aspects of Sarny’s character stand out for you as a reader? How old is Sarny’s character when she is first introduced? How does Sarny’s character evolve in the course of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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