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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Helga feels the school's intention is to
(a) Turn black children into white children.
(b) Teach the children arts and crafts.
(c) Preserve the Negro culture.
(d) Pave the way for college students.

2. It occurs to Helga that perhaps her new uncle
(a) Will be like Uncle Peter.
(b) Will be attractive.
(c) Will not accept her.
(d) Will be black.

3. Helga's aunt resembles
(a) Audrey Denny.
(b) Helga's father.
(c) Helga's mother.
(d) Uncle Peter.

4. What dominates Helga's mind when rich men court her in New York?
(a) Her wish to stay with Anne.
(b) Her career goals.
(c) Her simple life in Chicago.
(d) Robert Anderson.

5. Helga remembers her mother being
(a) Gregarious.
(b) Nurturing.
(c) Polite.
(d) Remote.

Short Answer Questions

1. James Vayle, to whom Helga is engaged,

2. Besides her uncle, what connection does Helga have in Chicago?

3. The dress Helga chooses to wear to Anne's homecoming party represents

4. Knowing she is without support, Helga's desperation turns to

5. The Danish word for "black" that Helga hears in town is

Short Essay Questions

1. What was it about Helga's past that was so unhappy? Is her unhappiness justified? Why, or why not?

2. Why does Helga feel free on the ship on her way to Denmark? Does being isolated in the middle of the ocean have any effect on her? If so, what?

3. What is the YWCA and why is Helga there? Is this a safe haven for her? Does it meet her high living standards?

4. What is the point of Larsen's description of Helga's response to the music at the club? What does the jungle animal description prove? Is this a racist passage?

5. Explain Helga's repulsed fascination with the Negro performers. Why does she return over and over to see them? Is this helping her somehow?

6. What is it about African Americans that Helga hates? Is this opinion of hers new, or has she felt this way for some time? What causes her to draw this conclusion?

7. What does Axel Olsen's portrait of Helga symbolize? Is the portrait important to the story? Why or why not?

8. Is Helga feeling regret as she leaves Naxos? Why or why not? Is this a good move for her career? Is sh being responsible?

9. Describe Helga's lifestyle as a teacher. Is it unusual? Why or why not?

10. Who is Uncle Peter? Why does Helga expect help from him?

(see the answer keys)

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