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

2. How can Joe be described?

3. Where does Spunk roam after the trial?

4. What can the men do to Spunk in Chapter 2?

5. Who gave Lena the house she lives in?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joe react when Spunk seduces Lena? Do you think he would have reacted differently if Spunk had not been so intimidating?

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

3. Who narrates the final chapter? Is this effective?

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

5. Who is your favorite character in Chapter 1? Why?

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

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

8. What sort of supernatural twist does Hurston give her story?

9. From whose perspective is Chapter 3 told?

10. Describe the relationship between Joe and Lena.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which character in Hurston's book is most likable? Why? Which character do you like the least? What is it about that particular character that causes you to dislike him or her?

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

Identify at least three instances of foreshadowing in Hurston's novel. Why would these instances be included? How would the story change if they had not been included?

(see the answer keys)

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