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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much gratitude did Mattie's sisters show for what John and Mattie did for them.

2. What is John's mood as he leaves the house?

3. What element becomes almost human as it appears in the play?

4. Why was John forced to drop out of school?

5. Where does Ann say Mattie will get her true rewards?

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

Describe the overall setting for the play. Why does Walker use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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.

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This section contains 230 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample