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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Old Macon buried?

2. Whose day is it to make up for these black children's murders?

3. Who is the subject of the song that the children are singing?

4. Who is the one that breaks Hagar out of her trance when she is standing over Milkman with the knife?

5. What is Sing's full name?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

In the end, Milkman 'flies' off into a chasm, but it's not certain what happens after that. Following in his great grandfather's footsteps, it seems Milkman wants to make a leap as well.

Part 1 - Why do you think Milkman decided to leap off into the chasm? What was his motivation?

Part 2 - Do you think Milkman actually flew at the end of the story? Or perhaps you think it was a figurative flight? Explain your answer.

Part 3 - What do you think happens to Guitar after this scene? What does he do when he can not kill Milkman as he planned?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 381 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample