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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 the men hear in the beginning of Chapter 2?

2. What is Spunk's last name?

3. From what perspective is Chapter 2 told?

4. Where do the men bring the sheriff from, in Chapter 2?

5. Why is Spunk seen as a hero?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In what way does this story address justice?

4. From whose perspective is Chapter 3 told?

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

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

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

8. What does the black bobcat represent?

9. What does Walter think about Spunk killing Joe?

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

What is the tone of "Spunk"? Why would Hurston choose to write the story in this type of tone? What impact does the tone have on the way the reader perceives the characters and sequence of events?

Essay Topic 2

Hurston uses a narrative point of view throughout the entire play. Why do you think it was written this way? What are the pros and cons of using this point of view in this particular story?

Essay Topic 3

How does Hurston incorporate the concept of man versus self in the novel? Which character do you think is the best example of man versus self, and why?

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