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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 was the inspiration behind the name of the area that known as "Bayou Bœuf"?

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

3. What type of person did John Tibeats prove himself to be doing during the time that Solomon was working for Mr. Eldret?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. In Chapter 14 of the book, how did the slaves manage to add variety to the food that was available to them to eat on a daily basis?

3. What type of situations involved long waiting times that Solomon had to endure in Chapter 20 of the book?

4. How did Mr. Eldret show respect for Solomon in Chapter 11 of the book?

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

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

7. 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?

8. In Chapter 11 of the book, what did Solomon appreciate about the time that he spent at the Ford Plantation following his trek through the Great Pacoudrie Swamp?

9. How did the some of the slaves change their appearance at Christmastime in Chapter 15 of the book?

10. In Chapter 13 of the story, what was expected of the slaves who worked the cotton fields for Epps?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As Author Northrup told his story, he introduced plantation owners and their wives. First, there was William Ford, and his wife, Mistress Ford. Then there was Edwin Epps and his wife, Mistress Epps.

Compare and contrast the demeanor and behavior of Mistress Ford and Mistress Epps. Was it possible that the demeanor and behavior of their respective husbands toward the slaves had anything to do with the ladies' demeanor and behavior toward the slaves as well?

Discuss the interaction between Solomon and Mistress Ford, as well as Mistress Epps and Patsey. Was there a similarity or difference in the manner that they interacted with one another that perhaps influenced by the manner in which their respective husbands treated those particular slaves? If yes, explain. If no, why not?

Essay Topic 2

As Twelve Years a Slave came to an end, what in your estimation, ultimately saved Solomon from having to continue his life in slavery? His resourcefulness? His faith and trust in God? Lawyer Henry B. Northrup? His perseverance? Providence? Luck in running into Samuel Bass? Samuel Bass’ friendship? Samuel Bass’ commitment to help him?

From Solomon’s standpoint, it was a combination of two factors mentioned in the preceding paragraph that ultimately saved him from having to be enslaved for life.

Using the list provided above, select the two factors that Solomon credited with restoring his freedom.

Discuss whether either factor that you have selected played a stronger or more dominant role in helping Solomon regain his freedom. If your answer is yes, identify the dominant factor that you have chosen, and explain its role. Be sure to include reasons to support your view.

In the alternative, if you feel that both factors played an equal role in putting freedom back into Solomon’s life, explain why. Be sure to include reasons to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

At the age of 33, Solomon's name was changed to "Platt" by slave trader, Theophilus Freeman. It was an unwanted name that Solomon was forced to keep during the twelve years that he was enslaved; and it nearly kept him from being located by Lawyer Henry B. Northrup as his days in slavery were about to come to an end.

Discuss whether the name, "Platt" affected Solomon throughout his life as a slave. If it affected him, explain how; and how he coped with or adjusted to having to live by "Platt" during the time of his enslavement.

If in the alternative in your estimation, the name change did not affect him, explain why that was; and how you were able to tell.

(see the answer keys)

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