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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. Hager is determined to get Sandy through high school and make him into what?

2. What was Aunt Hager going to do to punish Sandy?

3. Where did Harriet and Jimboy go?

4. He knew that Jesus was white but what had he learned?

5. Why does Annjee believe Jimboy married her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Annjee decide to do in "One by One?" Why does she decide to do this?

2. What does Jimboy do when he comes home in "Guitar?" Why might he do this?

3. How does Hager show she is a determined woman in this chapter?

4. How does Annjee defend her decision to go to Detroit?

5. How does Aunt Hager react to Harriet and Sandy going to a dance? Why does she react this way?

6. How is this a sad Christmas?

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

8. What happened to Crowville? Why did this happen?

9. Describe the relationship between Harriet and Hager.

10. Summarize "Storm."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many characters in this book suffer.

Part 1) Describe the suffering that takes place in this book. Why does it take place? How do the different characters deal with this suffering? What does this reveal about them? How are the characters affected by it? How does this suffering affect the plot of the story?

Part 2) Does such suffering exist today? If so, where and why? If not, why not? Describe a time when you have suffered. How did it affect you?

Part 3) How can suffering be beneficial? How do the characters in this story benefit from suffering? How has your own life benefited from suffering?

Essay Topic 2

Sandy, by the end of the book, decides to focus on his education.

Part 1) Describe Sandy's education throughout the book. At what points does he become excited about learning? Why does he become excited about learning? How does this excitement affect him?

Part 2) How might this decision affect Sandy for the rest of his life? How important is it that Harriett supports this decision? Explain. How does this decision reflect Sandy's upbringing in Tempy and Aunt Hager's care?

Part 3) Do you believe that education is important in your own life? Why or why not? What do you believe is important in your own life? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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