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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. What time period serves as the setting of THE RIVER NIGER?

2. What covers John's clothes when he comes into the house?

3. What do Jeff and Ann do after Jeff comes home?

4. What is Ann's occupation?

5. Where do the events of the story take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do John and Dudley differ in their opinions of the military?

2. Why are the characters worried about John at the beginning of Act 3?

3. What can John and Dudley tell about Ann after speaking with her for a short while?

4. Describe the scenario in which Al is killed and John is mortally wounded.

5. How do Dudley and John differ on engaging in the trials of black people in America?

6. How does the author reveal the nature of the relationship between John and Dudley?

7. What is Dudley's philosophy of medical practice and death?

8. What does Dudley tell John about Mattie's health?

9. What happens when Mo derides Jeff's dream of fighting for Black rights via the legal system?

10. Why does Mattie not say anything to John and Grandma about their alcohol abuse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author gives stage direction for the music of a bass to punctuate different events during the play. The music then takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Jeff, Ann and Dudley. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 781 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample