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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. Why do Harlo’s kids love Squeak?

2. Why does Sofia finally decide to leave Harpo?

3. How old is Sofia when Harpo proposes to marry her?

4. Why is Sophia arrested?

5. What does Harpo start have nightmares about after meeting Sofia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Harpo react to the news that Sofia’s father doesn’t think he’s good enough for her?

2. How does Mr.’s family feel about having Shug in the house?

3. What lesson does Shug teach Celie about her sexuality?

4. What brings on Celie’s terrible beating from Pa after church?

5. What happens when Harpo and Sofia see each other for the first time at the juke joint?

6. Why does Harpo start working in the fields, and how does he feel about it?

7. How do Carrie and Kate react when they meet Celie for the first time?

8. Why does Celie suddenly feel jealous of Mr. and Shug when she sees them at the juke joint?

9. Who is Olivia and where does Celie meet her?

10. How does Harpo’s juke joint fare when it first opens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Walker chose to name Celie’s husband Mr. _________? What message might she be sending the reader by not giving him a last name? In journalistic writing, last names are often omitted to protect certain identities. Might this tradition have influenced Walker in some way? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of spousal abuse. What are the effects of abuse, specifically on women and gender roles? How does the reader see the cycle of abuse, particularly through Harpo’s character? What message is Walker sending about spousal abuse by making Mr. and Celie friends at the end of the novel? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

All throughout her life, Shug struggles to commit to those she loves – from Mr. to Grady to Germaine to Celie, and even to her children. What has caused Celie to avoid close relationships? Choose two of her relationships and discuss why she might have pushed this person away and how her rejection affected her jilted lover. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample