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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 Laura say Essie can provide?

2. To whom does Laura liken many of her personality traits?

3. What does Laura think about the Lord's help?

4. What does Essie do after they are persuaded?

5. What does Laura do to keep the cops from stopping the preaching because of no license?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Laura needs Buddy to be softer and more loving. Does this surprise you and do you think Buddy is capable of that?

4. How would you summarize the most overarching theme of this book?

5. Why is it ironic that Laura is trying to convince Essie to do something positive with her life?

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

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

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

9. Assuming many images in a short novel such as this one can be significant, of what do you think Essie's knife could be symbolic?

10. What image at the end of this chapter is particularly striking and tells much about Laura?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the environment of Harlem during this era. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What was Harlem? Who settled it originally and when did it become a predominantly African American borough?

2. How does Harlem of today differ from the Harlem at the time of the novel? How do you think this novel would be different if set in modern-day Harlem?

3. How does the setting of Harlem inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 14, "Enter Buddy," a new character is introduced and one who has great influence on the events of the rest of the book. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Write an in-depth character analysis of Buddy. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Describe the process whereby Buddy gradually takes over much of the way the church is managed. How is he able to do this? What could Essie have done to stop him?

3. How could Buddy be likened to the serpent in the garden of Eden (unlike being compared to Adam as Buddy does so himself)?

4. Do you think Buddy deserves what he receives in the end? Explain fully with examples.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of morality is woven throughout this novel and is an integral part of understanding both the characters and the plot. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define morality as it is used in this novel?

2. Do all the characters have the same definition of morality? How do the characters differ in the way they perceive morality and in how they perceive themselves as moral people?

3. How important is it to Essie, Laura and Buddy that they are perceived as moral people? Give examples to illustrate each person's belief. How important is it to each of those characters that they are actually moral people? Is there a discrepancy? Why do you think this is?

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