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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. Prior to having his escape plan foiled, Clinton Smith had been planning to join which member of his family as soon as possible?

2. For how many weeks had Denise possessed keys to Elwood's New York City apartment by the start of Chapter 11?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 8, Elwood "returned to the yard crew" (64) after a several-day stay in what location?

4. What part of Turner's escape fantasy did he consider especially important to share with Elwood?

5. The medical examiner linked the Nickel boy's heart failure that happened when he was "locked in a sweatbox" (144) with what cause of death?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does Whitehead employ foreshadowing in relation to the story about the escapee named Clayton Smith?

2. Who was Chickie Pete and for what purpose does Whitehead devise his character?

3. What event caused Elwood to decide to put into motion his plan to "get rid of Nickel" (157)?

4. What bad news did Harriet deliver to her grandson Elwood in Chapter 12 when she came for a visit after missing one due to illness?

5. How did Elwood meet Denise?

6. How did Elwood discover that Griff had been instructed by Superintendent Spencer to throw the boxing match?

7. What annual tradition existed at Nickel that involved one white inmate and one black inmate?

8. How was Griff punished for his mistake in the boxing match?

9. What happened at the first four stops Harper made during Elwood's first day on the Community Service team with Turner?

10. What physical problem of Elwood's is described in Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What ultimate message is Whitehead sending about the nature and value of compassion?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how and why Whitehead instills three different humanist messages into the narrative of The Nickel Boys.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Whitehead’s messages about guilt and responsibility within The Nickel Boys. Focus especially on events such as Harriet’s untimely death one year after her grandson Elwood’s demise.

(see the answer keys)

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