View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the primary reason for the inharmonious nature of Epps Plantation with the environment around it?
(a) The constant threat of torrential rain.
(b) The beatings that the slaves suffered at the hands of Epps.
(c) The lack of productivity at the plantation.
(d) The plantation's small size in comparison to its surrounding environment.

2. For the most part, why did whippings occur with high frequency at the Epps plantation?
(a) Because the slaves tended to get rowdy.
(b) Because slaves did not pick the right amount of cotton.
(c) Because Epps constantly accused the slaves of stealing from him.
(d) Because the slaves were constantly late to the cotton field.

3. What kept Solomon from joining the other slaves in their nighttime 'coon and opossum-hunting expeditions?
(a) The hunting expeditions were conducted at night.
(b) The hunting expeditions were conducted in the predawn hours of the day.
(c) He did not care for the taste of opossum.
(d) He did not like the taste of 'coon.

4. What had Epps threatened the slaves with before the carriage came into the Epps Plantation, headed for the main house?
(a) Forcing them to stay up and dance with him for the next three nights.
(b) Forcing them to work in the cold.
(c) Withholding their meals for the next couple of days.
(d) A whipping for not working enough.

5. Before Solomon left Mr. Eldret's plantation to travel to Ford's plantation for a visit, what did he learn about him?
(a) That he was a liar.
(b) That he could be intimidated by Tibeats.
(c) That he did not believe that slavery was morally right.
(d) That he was a man of his word.

6. What type of work did Mr. Eldret have Solomon handle for him?
(a) Raft building.
(b) Loom building.
(c) Land clearing.
(d) Cotton picking.

7. Which of the following could be viewed as Epps' loss in the course of mistreating his slaves?
(a) Costs associated with constant leather whip replacements due to heavy use.
(b) Leading his son to believe that he did not have to respect.the slaves--even if they were older than him.
(c) A decrease in productivity due to his slaves having been beaten to the point of not being able to work.
(d) Profit loss resulting from the work of his slaves.

8. What inspired Solomon to design and build a fish trap?
(a) A desire to impress the other slaves.
(b) He had the necessary materials available; so he decided to put them to good use.
(c) A desire to expand his variety of food without much effort.
(d) A never-ending appetite for fish.

9. What was the inspiration behind the name of the area that known as "Bayou Bœuf"?
(a) A great statesman who lived in the area.
(b) The bayou that ran through the area.
(c) Tame and untamed cattle.
(d) Tame and untamed pigs.

10. According to Solomon, what other plantation owner was Mary McCoy most like?
(a) Mr. Marshall.
(b) William Ford.
(c) Mr. Eldret.
(d) Edwin Epps.

11. Why were men in the North not allowed to settle disputes with pistols or fistfights?
(a) Because there were no cemeteries in the North.
(b) Because they lived in a civilized society.
(c) Because neither person in a duel or a fistfight ever won.
(d) Because there were no hospitals in the North.

12. Which male pair below provided Solomon with sweet type work?
(a) Mistress Ford and Mr. Hawkins.
(b) Mr. Hawkins and Judge Turner.
(c) Edwin Epps and William Ford.
(d) William Ford and Mr. Eldret.

13. What was Solomon doing when the carriage whisked by on its way to the main house of the Epps Plantation?
(a) He was helping Mrs. Epps in the garden.
(b) He was working in the field.
(c) He was having his breakfast.
(d) He was dropping his fish trap into the water.

14. Why was Bass hesitant to write additional letters to try to get help for Solomon?
(a) Because he thought that the Postmaster in Marksville might become curious about his endeavor.
(b) Because he was not sure that the letters were not being delivered.
(c) Because he was not sure that they letter recipients could not read his writing.
(d) Because he had already written a lot of them and had not received a reply from any of the recipients.

15. What did Solomon use to repay the Fords for their kindness following his run through the Great Pacoudrie Swamp?
(a) A couple of dollars that he had saved.
(b) Kindness.
(c) A fish trap that he had built.
(d) A note of thanks.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the fact that Tibeats appeared unexpectedly three times while Solomon was working for Eldret indicate about him?

2. For what reason did Epps give Solomon what turned out to be his last whipping?

3. Who was an unlikely slave driver who actually was one?

4. What did the fact that Epps bought a large plantation that the slaves had actually earned for him reveal about him?

5. As a slave, what type of reputation did Solomon have among the plantation owners around Bayou Bœuf?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample