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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. What does Mr. Smith carry around for his wife?
(a) A traveling rug.
(b) Her medicine.
(c) A pillow.
(d) Her spectacles.

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

3. When Brown surveys his desk in his study, what is missing?
(a) A letter from Martha.
(b) A paper-weight that looks like a coffin.
(c) A picture of his mother.
(d) His cashbox and two cigars.

4. When the passengers aboard the Medea have a night of entertainment, what is the first event?
(a) A song performance.
(b) A dance performance.
(c) Three magic tricks.
(d) A kitchen orchestra.

5. Where did Brown and Martha first meet each other?
(a) At the cashier's desk in the casino.
(b) By the statue of Columbus.
(c) At the Hotel Trianon.
(d) At one of the cocktail parties hosted by her husband.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Brown leave the military base?

2. What was striking about the countess's hair?

3. Why is it said, in Part 1, Chapter 4, that Papa Doc sometimes watches the slow deaths of some of his victims?

4. What is Doctor Magiot's opinion of American aid to Haiti?

5. What is the news of Hamit (who had rented a room to Brown and Martha in the past)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Doctor Magiot's funeral oration for Philipot consists mostly of the consolation that he died a natural death, which is to say he was not murdered. Considering the political environment, is this a compliment? What about the dead man's sense of mathematics?

2. What is the significance of Martha and Brown choosing to meet by the Columbus statue? Is there humor or irony in the choice?

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. Jones is the mysterious guest whom Captain Concasseur is protecting at Mere Catherine's and the man who was occupied with Tin Tin. What is the effect of this surprise? How does it help to reveal Jones's character further?

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

6. 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?

7. The Smiths knew that when Mr. Smith ran for president, he had very little chance of succeeding. Why are they still proud that he ran? How does this pride explain their characters?

8. 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?

9. In Part 1, Chapter 3, why does Brown tell the story of his lost virginity? How does his youthful past tie into his present relationship?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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