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 does John count?

2. How can John's demeanor be described as he comes into the house?

3. What does Mattie tell Ann about what Jeff was in high school?

4. Which of the following does NOT describe John?

5. What does Mattie say happened to her on the subway?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jeff's explanation for his leaving the Air Force and how does John react?

2. What is Grandma's opinion of Ann?

3. What is Mattie's perspective on death and what is her only concern at the moment?

4. Describe the reactions of Mattie and Grandma when Jeff announces his plans to marry Ann.

5. Where does John say he has been for a week and what was he doing?

6. Who is finally identified as the group's snitch?

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

8. What does Gail ask Jeff to do regarding Mo's life direction?

9. What is revealed about what was heard on the phone lines in the plan to catch the informant?

10. What are John's dying words to Mattie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 895 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample