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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. Who is thought to have killed the white boy?

2. Are Ruth and Milkman's sisters happy with him for beating up on his father?

3. What does Pilate do for a living?

4. Who is Milkman's best friend?

5. What is Guitar drinking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the progress of Milkman's trip back home?

2. What does Guitar do when he finds Hagar frozen as she stands over Milkman?

3. How does Milkman break up with Hagar?

4. With what greeting does Pilate welcome Milkman upon his return?

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

6. What is the surprise Milkman encounters when he goes to Susan Byrd's house?

7. What makes Macon excited as Milkman is arguing his point in #25?

8. What is the result of Robert Smith's 'flight' from the top of Mercy Hospital?

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

10. What is Susan's response to Milkman's questions about his grandmother, Sing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The ongoing debate over nature vs. the ideals of society is one that plays out in this novel, especially with those in the Dead family.

Part 1 - Compare and contrast Pilate and Macon. How do they live and how does this relate to society?

Part 2 - Do you feel society plays a large role in the decisions we make or does our upbringing play a larger role? Why?

Part 3 - Does society cause us to be who we are or does family? Give examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Pilate does something shocking when Milkman returns from speaking to Susan Byrd about Sing and his family. The reader is shocked at this point, but there is method to the madness.

Part 1 - What does Pilate do upon Milkman's arrival? What does this seem to say about Pilate's opinion of Milkman's actions?

Part 2 - Why does Pilate change her mind so quickly about Milkman's situation? What does this say about Pilate?

Part 3 - Why do you think Milkman is so certain Pilate will not kill him?

Essay Topic 3

The roles we take on in life are often not what we thought they would be - this is especially the case for many of the female characters in this novel.

Part 1 - List three characters in this novel who are not in the roles they wish they could be.

Part 2 - For each of the characters, describe what you think they would rather do with their lives. Why?

Part 3 - Does society dictate their roles or are they holding themselves back? Why did you answer the way you did?

(see the answer keys)

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