View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Chapter 6 describe?
(a) It is a detailed description of the Bible they bought.
(b) The pimp who threatens them for stealing his members.
(c) The two women's contrasting appearances.
(d) The first night the women go out to preach.

2. Over what do the women argue in Chapter 7?
(a) Which Bible to buy.
(b) How to use the collection.
(c) Laura ruining the church's reputation.
(d) Laura using the money for booze.

3. What is Essie's response to Laura's suggestion on buying the Bible?
(a) She faints.
(b) She will take money out of her welfare payments because she does not want to start a church on gambling profits.
(c) She thinks it's a great idea.
(d) She is hesitant but knows it's the only way.

4. Who starts a church a few blocks from where Essie and Laura sit?
(a) An active drug dealer.
(b) A reformed pimp.
(c) An ex-cop.
(d) A reformed alcoholic.

5. Why does Laura hire an artist?
(a) To do a portrait of Laura to hang in the church.
(b) To sketch line drawings of Biblical scenes on the pews.
(c) To paint murals of a black Adam and Eve and other Biblical scenes.
(d) To inscribe the name of the church on a piece of slate.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much money have they accumulated at the opening of Chapter 13?

2. What does Laura do after they are persuaded?

3. What does Laura want to play a greater role in church services?

4. What would be a general description of Essie?

5. How does Buddy refer to Laura and himself?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Laura tell Essie about Marietta and CJ and why do you think she does so?

3. What do you think the tambourines represent and why it is the title of the book?

4. What do you think is the significance of Chapter 26's title, "Moon Over Harlem"?

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

6. How is the title of Chapter 28, "Cross to Bear" relevant to Buddy and Laura's relationship?

7. In Chapter 20, Laura gives some details about her early childhood; in what way is Laura the same as her mother?

8. Why do you think Essie refuses to throw away her knife as Laura urges her to do?

9. What do you think CJ's initial motives are in trying to get Marietta to make love with him and why do you think that changes?

10. What does Laura do to keep the cops from shutting down their church?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,138 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample