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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. How can Spunk's clothes best be described?

2. Who is the main gossip in Chapter 1?

3. Who is Spunk dating after his trial?

4. How do Joe's clothes fit him?

5. What do Walter and Elijah think Joe will do when he sees Spunk?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Lena characterized in Chapter 1? Do you think this is a favorable description?

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

5. Do you think there is any competition between Joe and Spunk? Why or why not?

6. What does the black bobcat represent?

7. Describe the scene surrounding Joe's death.

8. How does Spunk's occupation seem to be appropriate for his character?

9. In what way does this story address justice?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the concept of the supernatural implemented throughout Hurston's novel?

Essay Topic 2

The title of Hurston's work, "Spunk," seems straightforward, yet it indicates a particular significance about one character. In your opinion, why does Hurston choose this particular title? What does this title signify? What does it tell readers about the story?

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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