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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 job be described?

2. Why do Walter and Elijah feel sorry for Joe?

3. Why do Walter and Elijah admire Spunk?

4. What do the men hear in the beginning of Chapter 2?

5. Who is clinging to Spunk in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Walter think about Spunk killing Joe?

6. Describe the scene surrounding Joe's death.

7. How is the fact that Spunk is not able to use his gun to kill the bobcat ironic?

8. How do others in the town treat Spunk? Why do they treat him this way?

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

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

Identify the concept of a tragic hero (or heroine). Describe one character in Hurston's book that you think can be described as a tragic hero, and explain what makes them fit the description. Why does Hurston decide to include this particular character in the book? What does he or she represent?

Essay Topic 2

There are several instances of irony in Hurston's book. Identify at least one of these instances and describe why Hurston may have used irony when describing this particular situation.

Essay Topic 3

What do you think is the main theme of Hurston's book? Identify at least three events in "Spunk" that communicate this theme.

(see the answer keys)

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