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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 is John's son who is returning home?

2. What is John Williams' occupation?

3. What does Dudley remind John that is Jeff's true achievement?

4. What is on the paper from which John reads to Ann?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario in which John dies.

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

3. What happens after Ann suggests that she move into a hotel?

4. What does Mattie tell Ann about what John gave up in order to support her family?

5. What does John read while sitting at the table?

6. What does Dudley find so amazing about the poem that John reads to Ann?

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

8. Why does Ann volunteer to help with the plan to identify the gang's stool pigeon?

9. How did Mattie's family show their gratitude toward John?

10. Why can Jeff not try on his Air Force uniform when John asks him to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE RIVER NIGER is a classic story of hardship and struggles. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of John. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

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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This section contains 856 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample