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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. What does Sandy's friend say about Pansetta?

3. What job is Sandy offered?

4. Sandy resolves not to let who down?

5. Sandy saw Sister Johnson again and enjoyed listening to her talk about what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the title, "The Doors of Life," significant?

2. What was the worst incident Sandy had to deal with at the hotel?

3. In "Children's Day," how does inequality even affect African American children?

4. Why does Tempy help out with the war effort?

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

6. How did Tempy change her life?

7. How does the reader learn Hager's importance in the community?

8. What does Sandy get from working in a barber shop?

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

10. What does Hager have to say about the soul and the world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harriet has very strong opinions.

Part 1) Describe her very strong opinions. What do these opinions reveal about her personality and beliefs? How does this vibrant personality and these strong beliefs guide her life throughout the story? How different might her life have been if she had not been such a forceful character?

Part 2) How has Hariett's personality and belief system been both detrimental and beneficial? In the end, was it more detrimental or more beneficial? Explain.

Part 3) How does your own personality compare to Harriett's? How do your beliefs compare to hers? How have your personality and beliefs played a role in the events that take place in your life? How influential are you on your own life and the events that take place in your life?

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

The personalities and beliefs of the characters are revealed early in the story.

Part 1) Describe the personalities and beliefs of each of the main characters. How are these personalities and beliefs revealed in the story? How do these personalities and beliefs cause conflict between the characters? How do they also bring the characters together?

Part 2) How do the characters' personalities and beliefs change over time? What causes these changes? How do these changes alter the plot of the story? Do the events of the story guide the characters' reactions and opinions? Do the characters' personalities and beliefs guide the events in the story? Are both the characters' personalities and the events in the story play equal roles in the progression of the plot? Explain.

Part 3) How can you relate to these characters, their personalities, and their beliefs? How does the author make these characters "real" for the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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