View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Joe clutch in his hand in Chapter 2?

2. What promises has Spunk made to Lena, according to Elijah?

3. From what perspective is Chapter 2 told?

4. How can Spunk's job be described?

5. Who encourages Joe to hurt Spunk?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does this story address justice?

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

3. Describe the events leading up to the end of Chapter 1 and the confrontation between Joe and Spunk.

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

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

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

7. When Joe enters the store in Chapter 1, how is he treated?

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

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

10. From whose perspective is Chapter 3 told?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

How is Hurston's story ultimately resolved? Do you think the plot was adequately resolved? In your opinion, what could have been added (or removed) to make it more meaningful?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 657 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample