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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 inspired Solomon to design and build a fish trap?

2. How could Bass' efforts to help Solomon regain his freedom be described?

3. How did people in the South make money at the time that Solomon was sold to Edwin Epps?

4. Who seemed to suffer the most among Epps' slaves?

5. What was Epps' status at the time that he bought Solomon from John Tibeats?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 16 of the book, how did Solomon lead Epps to believe that he was making the slaves work hard in the cotton field?

2. What could cause trouble for the slaves weighing the cotton that they had picked at the plantation run by Epps in Chapter 13 of the book?

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

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

5. How did Samuel Bass show others that he was against slavery in Chapter 19 of the book?

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

7. 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?

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

9. In Chapter 15 of the book, how did the slaves in Bayou Bœuf change at Christmastime?

10. What type of consequences did Epps have to face for chasing the young and beautiful slave, Patsey in Chapter 16 of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 15 of the book, according to Author Solomon Northrup, during Christmastime in Bayou Bœuf, the slaves were not the only ones who showed a change in attitude. In describing a scene at the Christmas Supper hosted by one of the planters, Northrup wrote:

“White people in great numbers assemble to witness the gastronomical enjoyments”.

Also, Northrup wrote about the fact that slaves were not expected to work during Christmastime, noting that they were even given passes to visit friends in the area; and he stated that whips were not mentioned, much less used during that time.

Discuss the factor(s) that may have contributed to the change in attitude on the part of the planters toward the slaves during Christmastime. Was their attitude change based solely on the fact that it was Christmastime? If yes, how could you tell? If no, what other factor(s) contributed to the planters’ change in attitude?

Also discuss: Did the planters change their attitude toward the slaves at Christmastime because it made them feel good? Or were they making the change in attitude during that time because they knew that it made the slaves feel good? What was likely to be the planters’ reason for holding the Christmas Supper for the slaves? Gratitude or guilt? Regardless of your answer, include reason(s) to support your view.

Essay Topic 2

Bayou Bœuf slave owner, William Ford was in the business of selling lumber; and Edwin Epps was in the business of selling cotton.

Explain: Between both men, who was richer? Ford? Or Epps? What made one richer than the other? The type of business that they were in? The way that they treated their help? Was one better at negotiating price than the other? Did religion play any part in one being richer than the other? Why or 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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