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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Though this occurs before the story starts, why did Brown fly to New York?
(a) To escape Martha's demands.
(b) To find someone to buy his hotel.
(c) To start life over after his mother's death.
(d) To find someone to manage his hotel.

2. When Brown and Martha are stopped by the soldier at the road-block, why does Brown protest?
(a) Because he doesn't trust the soldier.
(b) Because he is tired and wants to get home.
(c) Because Martha belongs to the diplomatic corps.
(d) Because he is smuggling weapons in.

3. Why is it said, in Part 1, Chapter 4, that Papa Doc sometimes watches the slow deaths of some of his victims?
(a) For medical interest.
(b) For self-punishment.
(c) Out of sadism.
(d) Out of revenge.

4. Why does Dr. Philipot not want to flee the Tontons Macoute?
(a) Because he is old and tired.
(b) Because he would feel less safe in the mountains.
(c) Because his wife persuades him to stay.
(d) Because he has no money.

5. Mr. Smith has a letter of introduction to what person in Haiti?
(a) The Provost for International Affairs.
(b) The President.
(c) The Secretary for Social Welfare.
(d) The Secretary for Internal Affairs.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Brown leave the military base?

2. Why do Brown and the Secretary of the Interior converse briefly in French?

3. Why does Jones hurry Brown and Smith out of his cell?

4. When Brown returns to his hotel in Santo Domingo, what does he find on his pillow?

5. What does Martha's husband think about her affair with Brown?

Short Essay Questions

1. Brown's first notice from his mother comes in the form of two sentences written on a postcard. How is this indicative of his relationship with her? What does this postcard tell the reader about her pride?

2. From the conversation with his mother, what does Brown learn about his father? How is this knowledge in keeping with the family dynamic?

3. At the end of the book, Jones is given a military funeral with the rest of the guerrilla fighters who were killed. Is this honorable or simply ironic? How does it fit Jones's life?

4. In Part 1, Chapter 5, Brown notes that he cannot remember Martha's voice, though he can picture her handwriting. What clue does this give the reader about their relationship?

5. With the thought that Doctor Philipot's spirit might be hovering around the body, hoping for an encouraging word of send-off, Brown purposely speaks trivial words about eating eggs in the morning. What does this tell the reader about his perception of death? How does it fit the tone of the book?

6. Both the Secretary of State and Jones are confused by the idea that Jones would be charged with something. How is this indicative of Haitian politics? How does Brown's narration of the scene explain his view of it?

7. Brown is aware of the ridiculous nature of three men with common names: Jones, Smith, and Brown. What does this tell the reader about Brown's view of the story?

8. Brown observes, following his disastrous conversation with Angel, that the quality which attracts him in a woman is not beauty but goodness. How is this similar to Jones's pursuit of virtue? Why does he find goodness in Martha?

9. What is the purpose of the night of entertainment aboard the ship, in Part 1, Chapter 1?

10. Brown spends approximately one day in the Dominican Republic as he tries to get money and an exit visa. How does this country differ from Haiti? What changes does Brown note in the people, attitudes, buildings, and scenery?

(see the answer keys)

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