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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Boy Willie beg to resurrect his dead pet?

2. What does Berniece tell Maretha would make the process of combing her hair easier?

3. After the scene with Boy Willie and the young woman is resolved, what beverage is set out to drink?

4. Which character begins to play the piano, calling out to the family's ancestors to save the situation?

5. What is the real name of the Yellow Dog railway?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Music is another way for the Charles family to preserve their family history.

Part 1. Create a list of three scenes within the play during which music is present.

Part 2. Explain why the music of the play acts as a symbol of the Charles family history.

Part 3. Choose two characters from the Charles family and compare / contrast their relationship to music. This comparison could be regarding the piano music or the family singing.

Essay Topic 2

Berniece finds herself in many romantic relationships throughout the course of the play. Briefly describe the three romantic relationships that she has and list the positive and negative aspects of each relationship in Berniece's life.

Essay Topic 3

There are many examples of prisons throughout this play, which are figurative, symbolic, and literal. Choose two examples of imprisonments that the characters find themselves in and compare/contrast the impact of the imprisonment in one of the character's lives. Briefly explain what that character does to fight against the various imprisonments in his or her life.

(see the answer keys)

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