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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 ask when Essie encourages her to read her Bible?

2. How does Buddy refer to Laura and himself?

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

4. Why does Laura's resentment to Birdie Lee vanish?

5. How does Essie describe the Bible she finds?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What is ironic about Laura's thoughts about Buddy in Chapter 30?

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

4. How does Laura "fight unfair" in Essie and Laura's argument in Chapter 13?

5. How do you think the classic Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hare seems to be a good metaphor for what is happening in Essie and Laura's life?

6. Why do you think the drums always stop just before Laura makes her entrance?

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

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

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

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

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

Street Corner preaching is a tradition that started at the time of Christ and still continues to be done in many places both in the United States and other countries. Essie and Laura begin their ministry as street-corner preachers. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define street-corner preaching? Do Essie and Laura fit your definition?

2. What are possible advantages and disadvantages of street-corner preaching? Was Essie and Laura's method of street-corner preaching effective?

3. Besides religion, what other ways is street-corner preaching used today? Would you stop and listen to a street-corner preacher? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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