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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 does Boots say when Lutie calls him from the payphone?

2. What does Mrs. Hedges recall when Lutie leaves her apartment?

3. Why does Junto want to see Boots before he leaves the club with Lutie?

4. What does Lutie read in the newspaper on the train one evening on her way home from work?

5. What has Mrs. Hedges determined about her life since the fire?

Short Essay Questions

1. Though Min has left Jones at the end of Chapter 15, she still has thoughts of her inadequacy. What does her insinuating conversation with the pushcart man lead the reader to believe?

2. Throughout the book, Mrs. Hedges has been painted as a negative personality by both Jones and Lutie. On the other hand, Min and Junto regard her highly. Which perception would the author like the reader to trust?

3. In Chapter 17, Lutie is going to visit Bub at the Children's Shelter. The day is dark and grim. How has the author used the weather to supplement the telling of this story? How does the author's decision to use weather to supplement a story's telling impact the reader?

4. How does Bub's initial refusal to participate in the mail scheme reflect his character and his mother's expectations?

5. At the close of Chapter 17, Lutie is desperate to escape the silence that seems to escape her. Throughout the book, Lutie seeks refuge from silence. Why does silence represent such a problem for Lutie?

6. Chapter 15 begins with a description of the sky. As Min looks up, she recalls that last year's skies were far more colorful. How does this contrast in the skies' colors reflect Min's life?

7. Does the author's decision to write Chapter 12 from Jones's point of view impacted the readers' impression of the character?

8. Jones is under the impression that Lutie would not have reacted so negatively to his advances if Min had not let the dog out. Is this an accurate assumption on Jones' part? Explain.

9. Analyze Mrs. Hedges' state of mind.

10. Describe Jones' inability to own any responsibility for the nature of his relationship with Lutie.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Bub is deathly afraid of the dark. It seems that darkness is always accompanied by Lutie's absence. How do you think Lutie has impacted Bub's fears? What conclusions can you draw about what Bub's life will be like now that Lutie has fled?

(see the answer keys)

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