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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 do Walter and Elijah admire Spunk?

2. From whose point of view is the story told?

3. Where is Spunk cut in Chapter 2?

4. Where do the men hear this noise at the beginning of Chapter 2?

5. What weapon does Spunk carry with him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe how Spunk dies in Chapter 4.

4. In what way does this story address justice?

5. What does Walter think about Spunk killing Joe?

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

7. What does the black bobcat represent?

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

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

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

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

How would you describe the development of the relationship between Lena and Spunk? Why do you think Lena becomes so quickly attached to him? What benefits do both characters derive from the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Do you think Spunk and Lena are in love? What about Joe and Lena? Support your opinions with specific examples from the novel.

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