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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the main gossip in Chapter 1?
(a) Joe.
(b) Spunk.
(c) Elijah.
(d) Lena.

2. How do the men treat Joe when he comes into the store?
(a) With sympathy.
(b) They laugh at his jokes.
(c) They ridicule him.
(d) With respect and deference.

3. Who lies dead, in Chapter 2?
(a) Spunk's father.
(b) Walter.
(c) Elijah.
(d) Joe.

4. Who encourages Joe to hurt Spunk?
(a) Walter and Elijah.
(b) Spunk.
(c) His father.
(d) Lena.

5. Who goes after whatever he wants, according to Elijah?
(a) Joe.
(b) Elijah.
(c) A man.
(d) Spunk.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do Joe's clothes fit him?

2. Who expresses doubt that Joe would really do anything to Spunk?

3. What promises has Spunk made to Lena, according to Elijah?

4. What instrument does Spunk play?

5. Who do Elijah and Walter see walking down the street in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events leading up to the end of Chapter 1 and the confrontation between Joe and Spunk.

2. Do you admire Spunk or despise him? Why?

3. From what perspective is Chapter 2 told? Why is this important?

4. What is Spunk's reaction immediately following Joe's death? How is it different from Lena's reaction?

5. What offer from Spunk does Lena refuse in Chapter 1? Why do you think she does this?

6. How does the point of view affect the reader's perspective in Chapter 1?

7. Are there any surprise guests at Spunk's wake? Why is it a surprise?

8. What role do Walter and Elijah play in this story?

9. What is the climax of Hurston's story?

10. What does the black bobcat represent?

(see the answer keys)

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