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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. Which of the following is the main reason why Seth tries to avoid Samona?

2. What is the name of Samona's cat?

3. After Matant Margaret dies, where does Grandma sleep?

4. Which of the following is NOT true about Matant Margaret prior to her death?

5. At the time of the novel's setting, how long has Seth's family been living in America?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Seth describe his childhood and his home life as a child?

2. What explanation does Mrs. Fabiyi give to the children as to her absence from the neighborhood?

3. How does Papi feel about Samona Gemini?

4. What does the exterior of Mrs. Fabiyi's house look like?

5. Why doesn't Jean-Claude like Chantal's boyfriend, Jerome?

6. After the news of Matant Margaret's death, where does Seth find his mother and grandmother?

7. What information does Reggie give about Jean-Claude's whereabouts?

8. Who is Reggie, and why does his relationship with Jean-Claude make Seth nervous?

9. Why do Caribbean families sing and dance at wakes?

10. What arrangements does Papi make for Matant Margaret's funeral?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gang violence plays a large role in the neighborhood where Seth and Samona grow up. Describe the ways Anthony's life has been altered by gang violence. Then, compare / contrast Anthony's experience with gang violence with Reggie's experience with gang violence. What is the same about their life in gangs? What is different?

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Gemini has a very unique way of parenting her children. First, describe Mrs. Gemini's character as she was described in the novel. Then, give one example of a time Mrs. Gemini made a poor decision within her household. How did this decision affect her children? What seems more important to Mrs. Gemini, her artwork or her children? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 3

Jean-Claude is a character who embraces pacifism. Explain why Jean-Claude feels so opposed to violence in the streets, and give at least two-examples of the ways Jean-Claude combats violence in his neighborhood. What is the neighborhood response to Jean-Claude's pacifist ways?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 893 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample