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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 does Chantal feel about marriage?

2. What does Samona think is the reason for Mrs. Fabiyi's suspicious absence from her yelling-point at the window?

3. Which of the following relatives did Matant Margaret take care of when he was sick and losing his senses?

4. What is the name of the beauty pageant Samona hopes to compete in?

5. Where does Mrs. Fabiyi keep her cat?

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. How do Seth's siblings react to the news of Matant Margaret's death?

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

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

5. How does Seth find out about Matant Margaret's death?

6. How does Grandmother react to Chantal's speech about women's rights?

7. What happened when Seth and Samona tried to sell toiletries door-to-door?

8. What interaction did Seth and Samona have with Mrs. Fabiyi on Halloween?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Throughout the course of the novel, all three Michelin males - Papi, Jean-Claude, and Seth - jockey to control the members of their family. First, describe each of these three characters' management style. Then, explain the conflict that arises when three members of the family attempt to control the rest. What lesson about control does Seth learn during this fight for power?

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