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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. For how long does the narrator say the station master and his wife have been married in "North Carolina"?

2. How does the station agent transport Cora to his home in "North Carolina"?

3. Where do Cora and Caesar go to talk when he comes to see her at the Hob in "Georgia"?

4. On what slave ship were the rest of Ajarry's family members taken in Ouidah?

5. What are the actors such as Cora referred to by the curator of the museum in "South Carolina"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author introduce certain chapters in the novel with "Reward" postings?

2. What happens to Lovey during the escape from the Randall plantation?

3. What does Cora find when she arrives at the next station in "North Carolina"?

4. Discuss the narrative style of the novel. From what point of view is the narrative related? What effects does this narrative style have?

5. How does Cora manage to reach Sam when she learns she is close to being caught in "South Carolina"? What does Sam tell her?

6. How is the "Underground Railroad" itself presented in the novel?

7. Why does Sam suggest that Cora and Caesar need to get back on the train going north in "South Carolina"?

8. Who is Bessie and how is she described in "South Carolina"?

9. How is Cora's experience at the new hospital in South Carolina described?

10. Who is Martin Wells and how is his character described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Ajarry and Mabel in the novel. How is Mabel similar to her mother? How is she different? What do the actions of these characters reveal about them?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the portrayal of the Underground Railroad in the novel. Why do you think the author has chosen to present the Underground Railroad as a literal railroad? How does this presentation alter history? How is the railroad accessed by the escaping slaves?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of symbolism and imagery in The Underground Railroad. What are some prominent symbols that appear in the work? What do they represent? What are examples of similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia used? How do these examples serve the work?

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