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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. While working at the hotel, how did Sandy encounter Harriet?

2. Sandy receives word from Annjee that she finally has the money for what?

3. Hager grew up playing with whom?

4. Tempy sent Sandy to wire Annjee to let her know that Hager was sick. Why did the news not reach Annjee at this time?

5. How did Sandy feel about Sandy walking home with other boys?

Short Essay Questions

1. What takes place in the Pool Hall? Why?

2. Should Sandy have dumped Pansetta?

3. Why is Sandy to avoid lower-class women?

4. How does Sandy come to the decision to get his education? How does this change his mind?

5. Of what does this first chapter largely consist?

6. How has Harriett grown up? How is this revealed in what she says to Sandy and Annjee?

7. Was Sandy's first view of Chicago what he expected? Should he have expected this? Why or why not?

8. Why does Sandy want to move to Chicago?

9. How does Hager react to the unfair treatment of Sandy and his friends? Do you agree? Why or why not?

10. How did reading affect Sandy? Is this good? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hager believes that slavery was not all bad.

Part 1) Describe Hager's experiences as a slave. How does she support the statement that slavery was not good, but it was not all bad? Is this sufficient support? Why or why not?

Part 2) How is life in this oppressive culture worse than slavery? Why is it worse than slavery? What role do both whites and blacks play in this oppressive culture?

Part 3) How has our culture changed since this time? Is it still oppressive? If so, how? If not, why not? Is there room for more equality, love, and understanding in our culture? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Sandy grows up a great deal in this story.

Part 1) Describe Sandy's development into manhood throughout this story. How do the other characters in this story, as well as events that take place, affect him? How does he influence others in this story?

Part 2) How do the other characters grow and change as well? How do these changes affect the dynamics between the characters throughout this book?

Part 3) How have you, your friends, and your family changed over the years? Why have these changes occurred? How have these changes affected your relationships? Overall, have these changes been good? Why or why not?

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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