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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. Where is the person in #2 trying to fly?

2. What does Milkman realize Guitar is?

3. Who is Milkman becoming worried about?

4. What is Robert Smith's profession?

5. Who does Milkman's best friend goad Milkman into visiting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the day that is assigned to Guitar?

2. Why does Guitar even warn Milkman about his impending death?

3. What does Milkman do to prove he is nothing like his father?

4. What is wrong with Mercy Hospital that it has been given a not-so-flattering nickname?

5. What does First Corinthians' job mean to her?

6. What does Milkman realize when he tries to buy a present for Hagar?

7. What is the legend of Milkman's great grandfather?

8. Why don't Pilate and Macon stay in hiding for long?

9. What are some of Milkman's first impressions of the Butler house when he arrives?

10. What does Milkman do for his father in the rental business?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Names seem to be a significant part of this novel, giving the reader insights into the characters, their personalities and their motivations.

Part 1 - Name five characters and describe why you feel Morrison chose their names.

Part 2 - With these five names, are there any that don't seem to be appropriate for the characters? Why or why not?

Part 3 - Do you feel the Biblical names have any further significance in this story? What sets those characters apart from the others?

Part 4 - Some characters have more than one name. Please name these.

Essay Topic 2

The attempt to fly is just one of the ways Morrison symbolizes the characters' need to escape from their conditions.

Part 1 - Describe the opening scene with Robert Smith and why he decided he wanted to fly away.

Part 2 - What is the significance of the story of Solomon the Flying Man? What does it mean for the rest of the characters?

Part 3 - Why do you think Milkman decides to fly as well at the end of the story? Is it a sign that he has given up or is it a sign of strength? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The families in this story seem to have more troubles than those who are not blood related. The Dead family in particular has a number of strange interactions that seem to make a reader question if they love each other at all.

Part 1 - What are some of the strange ways the Dead family interacts?

Part 2 - Describe the relationship between Pilate and Macon. Does it seem that these two love each other? Why or why not?

Part 3 - Describe the relationship between Pilate and Milkman. Do these two seem to have a strong relationship? Why or why not?

Part 4 - What does the fact that Macon tried to keep Milkman away from Pilate say about Macon's ideas about family?

(see the answer keys)

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