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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Brown surveys his desk in his study, what is missing?

2. Why does the captain want Brown to keep an eye on Jones?

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

4. Where did Brown attend school as a child?

5. Why does Angel want to meet Brown?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. When Captain Concasseur returns to Haiti, his single goal is to catch Jones. How is this fitting to Jones's character? What about to the character of Haitian politics?

5. 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?

6. When Mr. Smith sees Philipot's body in the pool, he thinks he is a sleeping beggar. How does this thought reflect on Mr. Smith's character? What about the fact that he wants to take money to the man?

7. Doctor Magiot is willing to help Brown plan an escape for Jones as well as maintain a facade of caring for Jones in order to explain his absence from public life. Why are these two men willing to take such risk? What does it say about their character?

8. From a literary aspect, what is the effect of portraying Jones as an actor who has not learned his lines well? Why does the author use this characterization throughout the book?

9. 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?

10. Brown does not give a definition of the Tonton Macoutes until Part 3, Chapter 4. How does this reinforce to the reader what the characters experienced?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Smiths are devoted to the idea of the vegetarian center, even when Haitian reality tells them that it will never happen. They are clinging to the dream in the face of truth. Where else does this happen in the novel? Who is clinging to dream that can never become reality?

Essay Topic 2

Martha notes that when Brown loves her, she is a woman. When he is angry at her, she is a German. How is this true? Find examples throughout the book of his loving or hurting her. For example, several times in Part One, Chapter Three, he refers to her German heritage. Does he care more about her father's crimes or about hurting her? Does he have any personal connection to the Nazi crimes?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role of the girls at Mere Catherine's establishment. What part do they play in the story, particularly Tin Tin? How do the men treat the girls? From what the author tells the reader, what role do these girls play in Haitian society?

(see the answer keys)

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