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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 many slaves are sitting outside a cabin talking and chewing on flowers as the novel begins?

2. What does Lizzie do when Fran turns her over to the man in the black hat?

3. What does the boy in #83 take from Nate when he arrives?

4. What does Yancy give Fran when she visits?

5. Who is the white woman who promises to show the slaves the way to the resort for freed blacks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Fran's relationship with Lizzie's children especially hurtful to Lizzie?

2. Explain how the author implies that Drayle is God to Lizzie.

3. Explain what the author means by "Reenie's look"?

4. What are the circumstances in which Drayle first approaches Lizzie sexually?

5. What are two possible reasons that Fran decides to sell Lizzie?

6. What are some reasons for Baby's sexual assault on Lizzie?

7. Why does Fran's behavior fluctuate between listlessness and determination throughout the book?

8. What was Drayle's crime in seducing Lizzie and what was the most probable reason for his slow manner?

9. Why are the slave women brought to the Ohio resort and what type of status do they have in Ohio and back on their plantations?

10. How does Lizzie's relationship with Drayle negatively affect the other slaves such as Jeremiah who attempt to interact with Drayle just as Lizzie does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Dolen Perkins-Valdez' use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author uses them where she does.

Essay Topic 2

Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Glory. What is her role in the story? What is the author trying to accomplish by developing Glory's character in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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