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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. While washing her blouse and realizing Jones has been through her possessions, what is Lutie sure of?

2. While in Connecticut, what valuable lesson does Lutie learn?

3. Which statement does the author use to describe the Chandlers' view of Lutie?

4. From whose point of view is Chapter 5 written?

5. Of what is Boots speaking when he says, "Wrapped up and tied up for as long as you want it"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Lutie failed, up until Chapter 9, to consider that Bub might be afraid of staying home alone?

2. Who does Lutie hold responsible for the end of her marriage?

3. How does Lutie's grandmother's insistence that the butchers in Harlem use embalming fluid to give their meat a nice fresh color reflect her grandmother's overall view of life?

4. Describe what Junto's means to the different people in the neighborhood.

5. How does Lutie feel after being offered the job of singer in Boots' band? What does she know for sure after the offer?

6. After leaving Jim, Lutie never reaches out to him again. How does this single fact reflect Lutie's strength?

7. Boots treats Lutie as if she were prey. Does Lutie behaves as prey? Explain.

8. Lutie leaves the butcher shop and is in light spirits. As she walks home, she notices that the women are burdened by marketing bags and on their way home to take care of their families after a long day of work. She also notes that the men lounge around watching the women. How does Lutie feels about this distinction?

9. After reading Chapter 5, it is clear what motivates Min. Using the knowledge you've gained about Min, compare her to Lutie. How do the women differ? What characteristics do they share?

10. Chapter 5 introduces the relationship between Mrs. Hedges and Min. How would you describe this relationship? Why does Min finds refuge in Mrs. Hedges?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Up until the novel's end, Lutie can be heralded as a virtuous character. Then, she kills Boots. In an essay, chart Lutie's decline and go further to explain it. What is the author's message in the demise of her main and moral character?

Essay Topic 2

Min is a fairly docile character. Even though her mind is hard at work, she rarely voices an opinion, even about her own treatment. She juxtaposes other women who are quite different in nature. Mrs. Hedges is overtly vocal about what she thinks--giving unwarranted advice at times. Lutie may not always condemn things aloud, but she does not stand for them and will respond with some sort of action. In your opinion, which of the three characters best handles life? Whose approach has brought the most freedom? In contrast, which character's life choices have resulted in a less than desirable life? Support your ideas with evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Lutie becomes hysterical when she finds that her son is in possession of a shoe shining kit. She rationalizes her behavior by claiming that Bub's decision to shine shoes will ultimately lead him down a path of mediocrity. Why is Lutie unable to see the practical convenience of her son helping out with the household expenses? How does this failure to be practical reflect the effects of racism on Lutie's outlook? Do you agree with Lutie's decision not to allow her son to help her care for the family? Why or why not?

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