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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. From whose point of view is the story told?

2. How do Joe's clothes fit him?

3. Where is Spunk cut in Chapter 2?

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

5. What instrument does Spunk play?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Joe and Lena.

2. Describe the differences between Joe and Spunk.

3. At what point does Spunk become paranoid that Joe is haunting him? How does this relate to his occupation?

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

5. Do you feel sorry for Joe? Why or why not?

6. Who is the winner of Hurston's story? How so?

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

8. In what way does this story address justice?

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

10. Describe the scene surrounding Joe's death.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Briefly summarize the incident in which Joe is killed. Why do you think Hurston wrote about it in this way?

Essay Topic 2

What is the tone of "Spunk"? Why would Hurston choose to write the story in this type of tone? What impact does the tone have on the way the reader perceives the characters and sequence of events?

Essay Topic 3

Hurston uses a narrative point of view throughout the entire play. Why do you think it was written this way? What are the pros and cons of using this point of view in this particular story?

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