View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the benefit of Avey's hotel balcony meltdown?

2. What does Lebert try to get Avey to remember?

3. Avey wonders if Jay had really died on the night of their big fight and ____________ had been masquerading in his body all those years since.

4. From which of the following could Avey's illness come?

5. What is another name for the Old Parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the preacher say was the purpose of the sermon about the risen Christ?

2. What is revealed about the women on the boat by the way they care for Avey?

3. Describe the awakening Avey, who is subconsciously preparing to reclaim her life, experiences.

4. Describe Avey's experience at the Beg Pardon.

5. How does Avey know she has come back to herself?

6. What does Avey sense as she awakens in the hotel room after her night of being emotionally exhausted?

7. Avey now longs for her husband "Jay" who "died" when Jerome came to the forefront and made them an affluent family. To what holiday situation does Avey compare this longing?

8. What does Avey feel her family exchanged for its affluence?

9. What is the topic the preacher engages in with the congregation causing such a stir that little Avey wants to be sick?

10. What is the sermon that Avey recalls hearing as a little girl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1960s and 1970s? Explain by giving examples.

Essay Topic 2

Praisesong for the Widow is a classic story of renewal and rebirth. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of black women in the 1970s. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? Do they have any freedoms that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,180 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample