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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does CJ say he will beat up?

2. About what does CJ seem surprised?

3. What doesn't Essie miss?

4. How often does Essie go to church?

5. How is Marietta described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 12, "Dyed in the Wool" is a very significant theme in this novel. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research and explain the phrase "dyed in the wool." Where did it come from? What century? What was its original meaning? What has it come to mean now as an aphorism?

2. How does this phrase describe Essie at the beginning of the book? Is it still applicable to her at the end? Explain with examples.

3. How does this phrase describe Laura at the beginning of the book? Is it still applicable to her at the end? Explain with examples.

4. How can the phrase "dyed in the wool" be either a positive characteristic of someone or a negative? Give a couple examples from your own life.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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