View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color was the skirt Samona was wearing on the first day of class?

2. After Matant Margaret dies, what does Seth want his mother to do?

3. How does Mrs. Fabiyi react when she hears that all the neighborhood children are afraid of her?

4. What is the name of Mrs. Fabiyi's cat?

5. Where does Jerome work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What career is Leticia giving up to become an opera singer, and how does she have time to practice her scales?

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

3. What does Nigel Gemini want to do with his life, and how is he working toward that goal?

4. How did Mrs. Fabiyi greet her two young visitors when they knocked on her door?

5. What is Seth's first impression of Samona when she joins his class in the third grade?

6. What does Samona wear on the night of the beauty pageant?

7. What was Seth's first impressions of Jerome when they met?

8. What happens when Samona recognizes Reggie on a street corner?

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

10. How does Jean-Claude act directly after his fight with Chantal, which worries his brother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jerome plays an important role in the conflict of this novel. First, explain why the Michelin family does not like Jerome. Then, explain why Chantal loves Jerome. Finally, explain how Jean-Claude attempts to rid Jerome from his sister's life. How does Chantal react to Jean-Claude's threats?

Essay Topic 2

The setting of "Seth and Samona' is important to understanding the characters in the novel. First, describe the neighborhood where Seth and Samona grow up. Then, explain the inherent dangers that the children are subjected to here. Finally, explain how these dangers affect the characters of Seth and Samona.

Essay Topic 3

Racism is an important theme in this novel, and one that Jean-Claude is very vocal about. Describe one instance of racism that appears in the text, and explain how that instance has affected Jean-Claude's character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample