View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The idea behind this town is that there is ________ on the outside, but _______ on the inside.

2. What is the result of Shadrack's panic after the incident in #27?

3. Who asks her mother if she really loved her children?

4. Where does Pearl move to?

5. What does the strong wind bring, which is strange to the town?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Eva done to her house over the past five years?

2. What is the second strange thing that happens in the town?

3. What was the problem with the land that the farmer gave away?

4. What does Sula eventually do to Eva?

5. Why does Eva call the three children she's rescued from the street by one name?

6. Who are the two characters who have become fast friends and why is this so strange?

7. What is the name of the town where the story takes place?

8. What turns Medallion 'silver'?

9. What are Sula and Hannah's reputations among the women in regards to their attitudes toward men?

10. Describe Jude Greene.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of National Suicide Day is one that seems almost humorous at first, but it takes on a darker tone. Why do you think Shadrack created this holiday? Why are others afraid of it? Why do you think he never really stops celebrating this day? What is the overall symbolism of this holiday for him and for the people of Bottom? How do you think the rest of the town feels about it privately?

Essay Topic 2

Sula's reputation in the town becomes the thing of rumors and whispers. What are some of the things people of the town are saying she is? What does this do to the rest of the town? What affect does Sula have on the town as a whole? What begins to change in the Bottom? What does this seem to show? Can one person really affect a town that much?

Essay Topic 3

Eva leaves for 18 months and then comes back to her children, though she is missing a leg and comes back with money. What do you think has happened to Eva in this time period? Was she right for abandoning her children? Why or why not? Could Eva have survived if she hadn't left? Why or why not? Does Eva seem to be a strong person or one who is weak? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 639 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample