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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who sees Laura stabbing Buddy?

2. Who seems smitten with Marietta?

3. Who is the woman that Laura calls a "bitch"?

4. Who isn't around as much as he used to be?

5. What has Essie forbidden while Marietta is living with Laura and Essie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of themes that run as a thread throughout the novel. 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. Trace the development of the redemption theme. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of how this theme impacts the lives of two characters.

2. Trace the development of the theme of addiction. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of the how addiction manifests in character personalities and in the physical setting.

3. Trace the development of the theme of violence. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis as to why this theme is important to the novel's plot.

Essay Topic 2

Chapter 15, "Enter Marty" introduces a new dimension to Essie and Laura's ministry. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Does it surprise you that a white man is the power behind "the throne" in Harlem in this time period? Explain. Explain the term "the throne" and the irony involved.

2. Why do you think the "Negroes" (the term for Blacks in that era) put up with a white man running the show on their turf? Do you think they eventually change that?

3. Who do you think runs the "throne" in Harlem now? Is the power in white or black hands or both? Or some other?

Essay Topic 3

Money plays a large role in the choices the major characters make. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Go through and cite at least six places where money is discussed. Briefly state the situation, who is involved and the decisions made.

2. Some people say that "money is the root of all evil" and others say that "the love of money is the root of all evil." Which saying do you think is applicable in this book? Why? Give examples.

3. Can money also be the root of much that is good? Give examples in the book where that idea seems true.

4. What are your conclusions about the role money plays in this book?

(see the answer keys)

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