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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. How did Solomon describe the interaction among Eliza, Randall, and Emily at the time that they first saw each other?

2. What did Solomon learn while spending time in the yard outside Williams' Slave Pen?

3. What did Solomon believe to be a contributing factor toward William Ford owning slaves despite the fact that he was a Christian?

4. If at any time during his travels with Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton, Solomon felt any doubt about their true motive, what did he base it upon?

5. If Solomon should have been paying attention to anything that was happening while he traveled with Brown and Hamilton that may have been a clear indicator that things may not really be the way that they appeared to be, what should it have been?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Solomon's first impression of Eliza in Chapter 3 of the book?

2. How did Solomon feel that the exterior of Williams' Slave Pen in Washington could be viewed in Chapter 3 of the book?

3. In Chapter 6 of the book, what type of slave did Freeman's customers want to buy?

4. In Chapter 1 of his book, how was Author Solomon Northrup able to depict his early years in life as normal?

5. How was the slaves' departure from Washington City carried out in Chapter 4 of the book?

6. In Chapter 3 of the book, what type of role did Jacob Brooks play in the life of Eliza?

7. In Chapter 2 of the book, how did Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton persuade Solomon to travel to New York with them?

8. In Chapter 5 of the story, how could Englishman John Manning be described in relation to Solomon?

9. In Chapter 7 of the book, how was Solomon's new master, John M. Tibeats different from William Ford?

10. In Chapter 7 of the book, how was Solomon rewarded after his lumber-transporting efforts prove to be successful in getting William Ford's lumber to its destination a lot faster?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As Solomon told his life story as well as that of Eliza’s, it became evident that their lives paralleled prior to being cast into the throes of slavery, as well as in the manner that they were cast into slavery, along with the changes that they experienced in their lives while in slavery.

In what ways were the lives of Solomon and Eliza alike prior to slavery? What similarities existed in relation to the means that were used to cast them both into slavery? What similarities existed with regard to the changes that they experienced while living in slavery?

Essay Topic 2

Led into Washington City by white men who claimed to have their best interest and freedom status in mind, Solomon and Eliza raised questions in anger regarding the true motives of the men who had led them into the clutches of slavery.

What were some of the reasons that Solomon felt that he could trust the white men who had led him into Washington City? Were there any circumstances or early indicators that he should have taken heed not to trust them? If yes, what were those indicators? If no, why not?

What were some of the reasons that Eliza felt that she could trust the white man who had led her into Washington City? Were there any circumstances or early indicators that she should pay attention to and not trust him? Is yes, what were those indicators? If no, why not?

Essay Topic 3

NOTE: This is a two-part essay question. All of the questions with the exception of the final question, require only a brief reply. The final question requires you to elaborate (explain your answer in detail).

While working for the tyrannical Tibeats, Solomon was hired out to help William Ford’s brother-in-law, Peter Tanner; and a neighboring planter, Mr. Eldret. Both times, Solomon performed his work well; and despite being temporarily owned by both men, he was not whipped or abused by either one of them.

Briefly discuss the following factors that may have kept either or both men from whipping or abusing Solomon, as follows:

Is it fair to say that the two men, Tanner and Eldret, were simply interested in having Solomon work for them, and that by nature were not abusive in any way? Why or why not?

Were the factors religious in nature? If yes, what were they? If not, why not?

Did their lack of familiarity with Solomon keep either or both men from whipping or abusing him? If yes, how can you tell?

Were the men simply not wanting to harm what they considered to be Tibeats’ property? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Did Tanner, Eldret or both men feel that by hiring Solomon from Tibeats, they were in essence simply buying a “service” from Tibeats and their business ethic kept them from whipping or abusing Solomon? If yes, how could you tell?

Were there any other factors not mentioned at play? If yes, what were they?

Which of the factors that you have discussed thus far seemed to be the most influential in keeping either Tanner, Eldret, or both of them from whipping or abusing Solomon?

Finally, elaborate (explain in detail) the reasons that supports the choice that you have made.

(see the answer keys)

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