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

2. From what country has Dudley just returned?

3. Who is the author of THE RIVER NIGER?

4. How does Chips' gang treat Ann?

5. Why has Jeff been away from home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why do Chips, Mo and Gail come to the house?

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

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

8. What is the setting of Act 3 and what are the characters doing as the act begins?

9. What does Mattie consider to be a big problem in her family?

10. What insights has John had while being away for a week?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE RIVER NIGER is set in the 1970s in the wake of the Civil Rights movement in America. What impact did this factor have on the author? What impact did this factor have on the characters? Explain.

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

Explain the significance of the play's title. What did the author mean by calling the play THE RIVER NIGER when the play is actually set in Harlem in New York City? Cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 796 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample