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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. What kept Solomon from joining the other slaves in their nighttime 'coon and opossum-hunting expeditions?

2. How was Solomon's hiring by Avery fateful in nature?

3. Why did Solomon have a different attitude about working for Judge Turner?

4. Why was Solomon in high demand at various plantations in Bayou Bœuf during the Christmas season?

5. In which of the following areas was the slaves' level of understanding most underestimated by those outside slavery?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 13 of the story, how did Epps show little concern if any when Solomon fell ill?

2. Why was Samuel Bass so well-liked in and around Bayou Bœuf in Chapter 19 of the book?

3. In Chapter 19 of the book, how did Samuel Bass cooperate with Solomon in terms of helping him get his freedom restored?

4. In Chapter 12 of the story, why was the day following a night of Epps drinking especially hard on the slaves?

5. Why was Lew Cheney not liked by some of the slaves in Bayou Bœuf in Chapter 17 of the book?

6. In Chapter 20 of the book, how did Samuel Bass manage to carry out his effort to help Solomon regain his freedom despite Epps' presence?

7. Why did Solomon feels more like a real human being while working for Judge Turner in Chapter 14 of the book?

8. In Chapter 19 of the book, how did Solomon and Bass manage to meet secretly with one another to plan how arrangements for restoring Solomon's freedom would be handled?

9. In Chapter 15 of the story, what were some of the everyday things that Solomon and the other slaves did not miss at Christmastime?

10. What happened to some of the slaves who tried to escape from a life in slavery in Chapter 17 of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Eliza expected to be issued her emancipation papers and begin living her lifelong dream of liberty with her two children, as the husband of her young mistress, Jacob Brooks led her into Washington City. Her dream was shattered however, when Brooks unexpectedly sold her and her children to slave trader, James H. Burch.

Not long afterward, Eliza’s children were taken away from her, and were separated and sold to different slave traders. She never saw them again, and spent the rest of her days wailing, crying, and mourning the loss of her children.

Did Eliza abandon her lifelong dream of living her life in liberty after she lost her children? If yes, how was that abandonment apparent? If no, how could you tell? Did it appear that Eliza was willing to give up liberty as long as she could spend the rest of her days with her children? If yes, how was her willingness to give up her liberty apparent? If no, how could you tell? What contributed more to Eliza giving up on life: Giving up on her dream of liberty? Or losing her children? List and explain the reason(s) to support your choice.

Essay Topic 2

Solomon said that he understood why a religious man like William Ford could be religious and yet own slaves at the same time. He stated that the environment that Mr. Ford had been raised in, had led him to believe that owning another man was normal and acceptable.

Taking into consideration the way that William Ford operated -- he owned slaves, but gave them Bibles, explain why either his practice of religion or his practice of owning slaves appeared to be more important to him. Be sure to include reasons in support for the selection that you make.

Essay Topic 3

Based on his overall handling of the feud between Solomon and his master, John M. Tibeats, it could be said that Mr. Chapin, who oversaw William Ford’s plantation was a fair and honorable man.

Detail how Mr. Chapin earned the labeling of being fair and honorable. Did he do anything in relation to William Ford to earn that labeling? Specifically, what did he do in relation to the feud between Solomon and John M. Tibeats to gain a fair and honorable status? Did Mr. Chapin do anything or fail to do anything in relation to Ford, Solomon, or Tibeats that might have brought his status into question? If yes, please detail.

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