Print
Word
PDF
|
| Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why does Maureen enjoy the library so much?
2. How does Maureen feel about her parents?
3. In what condition does Jules find Bernard?
4. What type of school do Loretta's children attend?
5. What year is it in Children of Silence, Chapter 9?
Short Essay Questions
1. Why does Howard leave the farm in Chapter 6 of the first book?
2. What happens to Bernard?
3. What happens to Jules in Tulsa?
4. What is the result of Jules's and Nadine's adventure?
5. What are some of Maureen's responsibilities around the house after Loretta marries Pat?
6. What has changed about Maureen as a result of her catatonia?
7. How does Jules feel about the riot fires on the streets of Detroit?
8. To whom does Maureen write her letters?
9. Why does Loretta's family move away from Detroit?
10. What does Maureen write about one of her other professors?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The pronoun "them" is not only the title of the novel, but it is an idea alluded to many times throughout the story. What does the author mean by "them"? Who is she talking about? What point is she trying to convey by grouping so many different people under a single pronoun? What effect does the usage of this term have on your perception of the characters? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.
Essay Topic 2
Brock is a minor character in the novel, but he plays an important role. He is the reason why Loretta meets and marries Howard, and he is also the one to bring Maureen out of her catatonia. How can these two very dissimilar actions--his murder of Bernie, and his role in Maureen's recovery--be resolved in terms of his character? Why do you think the author chooses to assign both of these important, and very different, actions to a single character? Knowing all that you do about Brock, what is your opinion of his character? Why do you think he disappears from the plot so suddenly? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.
Essay Topic 3
Jules and Maureen are both very optimistic as children, but are also capable of detaching themselves from frightening or emotionally damaging situations, such as their father's death. Is this an odd combination of character traits? Why or why not? What is the ultimate result of their hopefulness? Do you think that Betty is justified in ridiculing her siblings for their optimistic attitudes? Why or why not? In what ways are they similar to Loretta as a child? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.
|
This section contains 847 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
