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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. Where was Ann born?

2. What is John's liquor of choice?

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

4. What does Dudley tell John to do for Ann?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is John's reaction when Dudley informs him of Mattie's health diagnosis?

2. What does Dudley tell the family about Mattie's health and how does Mattie respond?

3. What is the premise of THE RIVER NIGER?

4. What is the first mention that indicates that Mattie is ill?

5. Why does Dudley decide to tell John about Mattie's health?

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

7. How does John behave when he finally arrives home?

8. Who is Chips and what is his demeanor as he enters the play?

9. Describe the scenario in which John dies.

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

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

Explain Walker's use of language in the play. Cite examples of at least two different instances of language that is appropriate for the characters and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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