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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. Why is Spunk seen as a hero?

2. Why do Walter and Elijah admire Spunk?

3. Who goes after whatever he wants, according to Elijah?

4. What is Joe's last name?

5. Who is Elijah Mosley's sidekick?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Spunk say right before he dies? Why is this significant?

3. Describe the differences between Joe and Spunk.

4. Why does Spunk move Lena into the Bradley house?

5. Describe the relationship between Joe and Lena.

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

7. Describe the setting for this story as given in the beginning of Chapter 1.

8. Why do you think the court decided that Spunk acted out of self-defense?

9. What does Spunk seem to think the bobcat is?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Hurston incorporate the concept of man versus self in the novel? Which character do you think is the best example of man versus self, and why?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the deaths of Joe and Spunk. How is the way each of them die reflective of their characters?

(see the answer keys)

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