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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 can John and Dudley tell about Ann?

2. What does Grandma comment on regarding Mattie?

3. Who is Jeff's childhood friend who comes to the house?

4. What is Ann's occupation?

5. How much does John already owe Dudley?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What warning does Mattie give Ann about Chips?

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

5. How does Grandma inadvertently upset Mattie when they are talking about John?

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

7. What does John ask Dudley for when he abruptly changes the subject?

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

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

10. What is John doing at the beginning of Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Create a brief character study of Dudley. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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