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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. As the hearse is stranded in the road, what does Madame Philipot promise to buy for her son?
(a) Chocolate cookies.
(b) Vanilla ice cream.
(c) A lollipop.
(d) Popcorn.

2. What is the supposed reason for Jones's arrest when he attempts to pass through customs?
(a) He is carrying something incriminating.
(b) His letter of introduction is written to the wrong person.
(c) He refuses to let the customs officers search his bags.
(d) A gun is found in his luggage.

3. What is Doctor Magiot's opinion of American aid to Haiti?
(a) America is Haiti's only hope for peace.
(b) America will help only if her interests are threatened.
(c) Americans do not care enough to lift a finger.
(d) America will help only if she becomes interested.

4. Rather than participating in the night of entertainment, what does Mr. Fernandez do?
(a) Bursts out laughing.
(b) Fails to appear at all.
(c) Becomes seasick.
(d) Bursts into tears.

5. Why does Angel want to meet Brown?
(a) Because he is jealous of Brown.
(b) Because he will ask him for chocolate biscuits.
(c) Because Martha egged him on to meet Brown.
(d) So he is not left out from the circle of his parents' friends.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the countess rang the bell for Marcel to come to her room, what was he wearing?

2. How long does Brown stay with Philipot?

3. What happens when Brown and Mr. Smith visit the Secretary of the Interior?

4. How did Marcel kill himself?

5. When the Smiths first arrive at the Hotel Trianon, what does Mr. Smith think of the body crouched in the pool?

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. In Chapter 1 of Part 1, Brown and Jones meet as Jones is attempting to bribe the steward to switch their rooms. How is this first scene indicative of Jones's character?

3. In Part 1, Chapter 5, the small funeral entourage that drives to Petionville to bury Doctor Philipot is in a great hurry. Why is this? How does this tie in with the doctor's death?

4. 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?

5. 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?

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

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. In Part 1, Chapter 2, how is Brown and Martha's relationship portrayed? What is the irony of their situation?

(see the answer keys)

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