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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 is the giveaway on the envelopes that they have come from Nettie, not anyone else?

2. How long was Sofia kept in prison before her early release?

3. Which of the following is NOT a place Nettie stops on her way to Olinka?

4. Why does Billy try to kick Sofia while she is watching him?

5. How old is Pa’s new wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Nettie come to live in Africa?

2. How has Corinne’s attitude changed toward Nettie since moving to Africa?

3. What is the most eye-opening experience for Nettie when she is in New York?

4. What is Nettie’s first impression of the Senegalese people she meets during her travels?

5. Who are Nettie and Celie’s birth parents?

6. Who did Pa marry after Celie and Nettie moved out, and what does this suggest about his personality?

7. What is the “surprise” that Shug brings home for the family at Christmas, and how does Mr. react?

8. How does Billy get hurt on the day that Celie visits Sofia at the mayor’s house?

9. Why is Sofia’s mother’s funeral unusual?

10. How does life change for Celie when she moves to Memphis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the epistolary structure of the novel. What are the benefits of constructing a novel of letters? What are the benefits of this style? What are the drawbacks? How does the structure inform the characters, particularly Celie’s, growth? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of women, specifically black women, in the novel. What is the expected role that these women will take on? Are there any characters that fight against this expectation? If not, why? If so, what happens to them? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Celie’s sexuality. How was she first introduced to sex, and how did that introduction affect her future relationships? What did Shug teach Celie about her sexuality, and how did this lesson change Celie for the rest of the novel? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 932 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample