View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the war, how did Brown feed himself?
(a) By copying famous painters and selling the pieces at high prices.
(b) By taking a job he is not proud of and does not describe.
(c) By working in the Political Intelligence Department.
(d) By buying a hotel and becoming a businessman.

2. Why does Brown leave the military base?
(a) He does not get the job.
(b) His mother's brother is dead.
(c) The attempt to make a political connection fails.
(d) He does not get the exit-visa.

3. What happens when Brown and Mr. Smith visit the Secretary of the Interior?
(a) The Secretary pretends to be gone.
(b) They must take a number and wait in line for two hours.
(c) They are able to see the Secretary immediately.
(d) They are ignored for nearly an hour.

4. In school, what play was Brown forced to participate in, speaking in a French translation of the original play?
(a) A Doll's House.
(b) The Cherry Orchard.
(c) Romeo and Juliet.
(d) A Question of Taste.

5. Where do Brown and Martha rendezvous most often?
(a) By a statue of Columbus.
(b) By the American consulate.
(c) By a statue of the president.
(d) Under a bridge.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the beginning of Part 2, Chapter 2, what do Brown and Martha quarrel about?

2. As explained in Part 1, Chapter 2, how does Petit Pierre, a journalist, treat every day?

3. From the beginning of their relationship, who makes great demands on Martha's time?

4. What beverage do the Smiths drink most often while onboard the ship?

5. Before the bail is posted for Jones's release, what does Brown ask the Secretary of the Interior to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Angel has the mumps, Brown visits him at Martha's insistence, and this is the only time the two people interact for any length of time. What is the effect of this meeting? How is Angel portrayed?

2. 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?

3. Petit Pierre is introduced at the beginning of Part 1, Chapter 2. What purpose does his character play? How is he similar to Brown?

4. 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?

5. 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?

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

7. Throughout Chapter 1 of Part 1, the captain advises people to stay in touch with their respective consulates. Why is this, and how does it set the tone of the book?

8. Once again, in Part 1, Chapter 4, Brown is asked to look out for Jones and any suspicious activity he may be involved in. How is this instance similar to the first? How does it differ? What changes might be attributed to a greater understanding of Jones's character?

9. After Philipot's body is removed from the pool, Joseph cleans the pool so Mr. Smith can swim. Mr. Smith passes very close to where the body had crouched, and Brown cringes to think of the two scenarios. How is this, in a succinct fashion, an indication of the story?

10. Doctor Magiot asserts, in a conversation with Brown, "No, I don't despair, I don't believe in despair, but our problems won't be solved by the Marines. . . . We are an evil slum floating a few miles from Florida, and no American will help us with arms or money or counsel" (p. 222). Is this a fair view of the situation? What might lead the doctor to believe this?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,695 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample