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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 tells Ike that his son has died?

2. What do Ike and Buddy Lee really want to know from Andy in Chapter Thirteen?

3. In Chapter Eighteen, who helps Buddy Lee clear his lungs with a whack on the back?

4. What does Derek's father ask of Ike in Chapter Two?

5. Who is Buddy Lee's half-brother he took the fall for in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter Five, what is Ike really afraid of about going after his son's killers?

2. In Chapter Five, what is Ike's business that he started and how is it doing?

3. In Chapter Thirteen, who shows up at Derek's and Isaiah's house while Buddy Lee and Ike are there?

4. In Chapter Twenty, why does LaPlata visit Buddy Lee?

5. In Chapter Two, what do Buddy Lee and Ike seem to have in common?

6. In Chapter Fourteen, what clue do Ike and Buddy Lee find at their sons' house?

7. In Chapter Two, why is Ike angry at the pastor who speaks at his son's funeral?

8. In Chapter One, what do the police come to Ike's house to tell him?

9. In Chapter Twelve, what does Ike say to Buddy Lee about the difference between prison sentences for white and Black men?

10. In Chapter Three, what happens between Buddy Lee and his landlord?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When and how does Cosby demonstrate the bonding experience between Buddy Lee and Ike, two very different men? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Why is this book titled Razorblade Tears, and what message do you think Cosby is trying to communicate to the reader with the idea behind it? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Cosby describe Ike's history of dealing with, and participating in, violent acts throughout the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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