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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. Why does Captain Concasseur order the Tonton Macoutes to hit and kick Brown?
(a) So that they can say he was resisting arrest.
(b) Because they are sadistic.
(c) They intended to beat him like they had beaten Joseph.
(d) Because the captain wanted to see Brown at his feet.

2. Why do Brown and Jones sleep in the cemetery until daybreak?
(a) Haitians think only zombies are abroad at night, and they won't go there.
(b) The area is heavily populated and there is nowhere else to hide.
(c) Brown wants to be as far from the road as possible.
(d) There is no other shelter from the rain.

3. What does Jones forget at the hotel when he and Brown flee?
(a) His suitcase.
(b) His cocktail case.
(c) His rain jacket.
(d) His briefcase.

4. Before beginning work on the vegetarian center, what does the Secretary for Social Welfare want from Mr. Smith?
(a) A letter of authorization from his superior.
(b) A signed guarantee of payment.
(c) A cash deposit in dollars.
(d) Complete architectural and landscape plans.

5. At the beginning of Chapter Two, why does Joseph ask Brown to attend a Voodoo ceremony?
(a) He thinks Brown will be interested.
(b) He wants to show off his native culture to a white man.
(c) He needs a ride.
(d) He is afraid to go out at night alone.

Short Answer Questions

1. While standing on the porch, what does Mrs. Smith demand from Captain Concasseur?

2. When Brown visits Jones at his rented villa for the first time, what is on the table?

3. Why do Jones and Brown go back to the Medea?

4. How does the captain intimidate the police officer who came onboard the ship?

5. What day do Brown and Jones leave town?

Short Essay Questions

1. From even their first meeting, Brown hesitates to address Jones as "Major Jones." How does this begin to explain Jones's character? How does it prepare the reader for the revelation that Jones has never even seen a man die?

2. When just before leaving Haiti, Mr. Smith scatters money in front of the post office, what does he show about himself? Has he changed since he first came to the country?

3. Brown feels that the happiest moment he spent with Martha was when they lay outside on the grass, talking. How does this compare to his initial feelings about the relationship? What does this moment portend about the future of their relationship?

4. What is the significance of saying Doctor Philipot's coffin is filled with bricks?

5. Though Brown does not want to board the Medea for a last drink with the purser, he feels attached to the ship and the memories there. What does this say about Brown's loneliness? Is he happy alone in his hotel?

6. As the two men wait out the night in the cemetery, Jones tells Brown the truth about his life. Is this a fitting time for his confession? Why would he confess to Brown instead of anyone else?

7. Young Philipot, who visits Brown while he is swimming one early afternoon, is consumed with the idea of owning a Bren gun and fighting Papa Doc's army with it. In his idealism, what other character does he resemble and why?

8. Why do the Smiths change their minds about opening a vegetarian center? How does the Secretary for Social Welfare misunderstand Mr. Smith?

9. The second time Brown visits the casino, the place is drastically changed from the night he met Martha. How is it different? What does this signal about Haiti's economy?

10. The night before he takes Jones out of Port-au-Prince, Brown wanders through his empty hotel. What does it reveal to the reader about Brown's personality? What is the effect of this scene?

(see the answer keys)

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