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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. Who carved the piano legs at Sutter's request?

2. How does the Ghost of the Yellow Dog kill the mob members as revenge for Boy Charles' death?

3. What is the last name of the family that the story focuses on?

4. When Wining Boy returns home from the city, how much money does he say he received?

5. Which character can be seen ironing his uniform?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Berniece and Lymon's conversation turns to Avery, what advice does Lymon give to Berniece about the relationship?

2. What does Boy Willie claim has happened to the man named Sutter?

3. What lesson does Boy Willie give Maretha on the piano?

4. Why did Berneice stop playing the piano as a child?

5. What is revealed about Wining Boy's life as a musician while married?

6. What happens when Boy Willie and Lymon attempt to move the piano for its potential buyer?

7. Why does Boy Willie tease Doaker about his profession?

8. What reaction does the family have to Boy Willie's sudden arrival at their doorstep?

9. How does Berniece respond when she happens upon Boy Willie and Grace?

10. After his failed date, what gift does Lymon give to Berniece, and what is her response to the gesture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The exorcism in the final scene of the play proves to be a powerful symbol for the way that the family has chosen to move forward. Create a list of three things that the exorcism symbolizes in the play. Choose two characters and explain how their roles were pivotal in the success of the final exorcism.

Essay Topic 2

The women in this play are portrayed as weak in comparison to the men in the play. Choose one female character in the play and give two examples of the ways that they are overpowered by the male characters. Then, discuss the female character's reaction to the overpowering male characters.

Essay Topic 3

Dreams prove to be an interesting and important way for characters in the text to receive divine messages. Avery's dream, in particular, is given the most symbolic weight within the story. Explain the symbolism of Avery's dream as it relates to his future and the themes within the play as a whole.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 815 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample