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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. In general, how did Bass view slavery?

2. What had Epps threatened the slaves with before the carriage came into the Epps Plantation, headed for the main house?

3. After Bass agreed to help Solomon regain his freedom, how did both men act toward each other around Epps?

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

5. Because it appeared that both the slaves and the white folks would put their differences aside at Chrismastime, what was the common denominator that encouraged both groups to do that?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. In Chapter 17, how did Lew Cheney show that he was not the leader whom he claimed to be among the slaves who were planning to escape to Mexico?

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

6. 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?

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

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

9. 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?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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