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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Essie say that the spark to convert has to come from?
(a) The music.
(b) Laura's sermons.
(c) People's hearts.
(d) God.

2. Of what does Laura accuse Essie?
(a) Of not really being committed to the church idea.
(b) Of hypocrisy.
(c) Of not understanding Jesus's statement, "Render unto Caesar."
(d) Of being too holy and too self righteous.

3. What would be a general description of Essie?
(a) Essie is petite with a size 18" waist, has a beautiful singing voice, and has a six-year-old daughter.
(b) Essie is about 65, loves walking in the woods and canning fruits.
(c) Essie is overweight, has a beautiful singing voice, and has a sixteen-year-old daughter.
(d) Essie is almost 18, is fond of liquor and men.

4. What do Buddy and Laura do as a new scarlet curtain is hung as a backdrop for the services?
(a) Sing gospel songs.
(b) Dance.
(c) Tell off-color jokes.
(d) Flirt.

5. When Laura encourages Essie, what does Essie do?
(a) Prays with more fervency.
(b) Falls silent and becomes very still, entering into one of the "pauses" into which she frequently falls.
(c) Begins to sob instead of crying quietly.
(d) Sings louder.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is ironic about Chicken-Crow-For-Day saying he has been washed clean and white by the love of God?

2. What does Essie want to do with the money?

3. What happens after Essie joins in on the song?

4. What does Laura say Essie can provide?

5. What are Essie and Laura doing at the opening of this novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. There are two things that Essie mentions that foreshadow future events. Name two possible things that foreshadow future events and what you think they might foreshadow.

2. How do you think Marietta feels having been raised in the rural South to arrive in Harlem and find an older, very attractive man flirting with her?

3. How does Laura seem to have her moment of transformation as she comes to jail and confronts Essie?

4. Do you think Essie's journey towards spiritual enlightenment is helped or hindered by being thrown into jail?

5. Do you think Buddy's conversion is sincere?

6. What is ironic about the beginning of Essie and Laura's church?

7. Of what might the serpent with eyes that sparkle like diamonds in Chapter 11 be symbolic?

8. Do you believe Buddy really is upset that Essie does seem to believe his conversion is sincere?

9. What do you think might be the significance of the title "Palm Sunday," of Chapter 1?

10. What might have changed the course of Laura's life if Essie had thrown the knife away when Chicken-Crow-For-Day throws away his weapons in Chapter 12?

(see the answer keys)

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