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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. What do the two say about Essie?
(a) That Essie is much more serious about life than Laura.
(b) That she is judgmental.
(c) That she is the reason the church saves so many souls.
(d) That her daughter refuses to move to New York.

2. What cliche does Laura quote to convince Essie?
(a) The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
(b) Ask not and you get not.
(c) Ask and ye shall receive.
(d) The Lord helps those who help themselves.

3. What would be an accurate description as to how Laura is described in Chapter 3?
(a) Sad and homely.
(b) Joyful and meek.
(c) Attractive and sexual.
(d) Slovenly.

4. What does Essie watch while they are preaching and singing?
(a) For an indication that God is actually present.
(b) For potential robbers.
(c) For anyone who seems to need encouragement to give.
(d) The people who are watching them.

5. Why does Laura's resentment to Birdie Lee vanish?
(a) Because Essie kicks her to make her behave.
(b) Because the collection is larger than normal after Birdie comes forward.
(c) Because Birdie drops a ten-dollar bill in the collection plate.
(d) Because she realizes the spirit of the Lord is upon Birdie.

Short Answer Questions

1. What scheme does Buddy suggest for making more money?

2. What sound is heard outside as Buddy and Laura talk?

3. As Laura leaves, what is she hoping?

4. What plan do Laura and Buddy devise?

5. When Laura encourages Essie, what does Essie do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do you think is the significance of the title of Chapter 17, "Lights Out"?

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

4. What do you think is the significance of the title, "Judas in Scarlett"?

5. At the beginning of Chapter 1, how are the two women described and what might be construed by these descriptions?

6. When Essie says she does not want to buy the Bible with gambling money, Laura accuses her of being too holy and too self righteous; from what do you think this accusation stems?

7. How is the narration's description of the North being a Black mecca ironic?

8. Why do you think the author has Buddy proposing that the fake holy water they are selling be said to be water from the River Jordan?

9. What do you think is the significance of the title to Chapter 29, "Apple of Evil"?

10. What do you think one of the main themes might be just based upon the differences in the two major characters as shown in this opening chapter?

(see the answer keys)

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