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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. "Hard Winter" takes the family from September to _______________.

2. In Stanton, why was there almost no work for black people?

3. Stanton largely has _________ social classes.

4. How does Annjee feel when Jimboy comes home and starts singing with Harriet?

5. Would Harriett's white girlfriends talk to her after school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did many black people have to leave Stanton?

2. How is it revealed in this chapter that class structure and race is important to the people of Stanton?

3. How do Hager and Sister Johnson view Jimboy, as compared to other men?

4. What are Hager's religious beliefs? What does Harriet think about these beliefs?

5. How does Annjee react when Jimboy comes home and ignores her and her cooking? Should she react this way? Why or why not?

6. How did Jimboy react to Sandy's lying? How did this affect Sandy? Why was he affected in this way?

7. How does Aunt Hager help others during and after the storm?

8. How did Hager believe the blacks should deal with white oppression? Do you agree with her? Why or why not?

9. What is learned about Jimboy and Sandy's relationship from their time fishing together?

10. Why do Tempy and her husband leave the Baptist church?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Annjee is frequently upset by decisions her husband makes.

Part 1) Why is she frequently upset by Jimboy's decisions? Should she be upset? Why or why not? Should Jimboy change his decisions because of her unhappiness? Why or why not?

Part 2) How do these decision and Annjee's unhappiness with them affect their relationship? Are you surprised that he leaves her in Chicago? Why or why not? Do you see Jimboy as a bad guy? Why or why not?

Part 3) Do you believe that Hughes created Jimboy as a representation of the typical African American male at this time? If so, why? If not, what purpose does Jimboy serve?

Essay Topic 2

The book ends with Harriet supporting Sandy's decision to complete his education.

Part 1) How does the story evolve to this point? Why might the book end in this way?

Part 2) Is this a good way to end the story? Why or why not? If you could change the ending, what would you do?

Part 3) What does this ending say about the purpose of the book? What does it say about Langston Hughes, himself?

Essay Topic 3

Punishment and consequences take place frequently in this book.

Part 1) Describe the punishments and consequences that take place in this book. Why do they take place? Are they effective? Why or why not? What do they reveal about the characters in the story? What do they reveal about the culture at the time?

Part 2) Do you agree with all of the punishments and consequences in this book? Why or why not? Would similar punishments and consequences exist today? Why or why not?

Part 3) Describe a time when you have been punished. Do you believe this punishment was fair? Why or why not? How did this punishment affect you?

(see the answer keys)

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