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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. What word accurately describes Spunk?

3. How does Lena seem to feel about Joe?

4. Why does Walter think Spunk is seeing Lena?

5. Why do the men treat Joe this way?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is fascinating about Spunk? In finishing Chapter 1, what do you predict will happen to him?

2. What is the wake for Spunk like?

3. What is the resolution of Hurston's story?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. In what way does this story address justice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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