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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. Which of the following does Fran NOT do for Lizzie's children?

2. What does Drayle do that angers Fran?

3. What aspect of pregnancy is particularly difficult for Lizzie?

4. What does Fran do to Lizzie when she witnesses Lizzie slapping Nate for taunting his sister?

5. How many children has Mawu had who were fathered by her master?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Mawu?

2. Who is Big Mama and what is her relationship with Fran?

3. Why does Lizzie begin to beat her children after they are abandoned by Fran?

4. How would Fran's selling Lizzie hurt Drayle and what point would Fran be making by doing this?

5. In what ways do the white men show their disrespect for the slave women at the dinner party?

6. How does Philip view Lizzie's relationship with Drayle and why won't Philip allow any contact between himself and Lizzie?

7. What does Dessie mean when she tells Lizzie that, "You don't know what you done brung in this house," and what is revealed about Lizzie's naivete?

8. 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?

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

10. What are two possible reasons for why Fran steals Lizzie's children from her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of struggle. Identify at least two instances of struggle in the book and then cite examples to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Create a brief character study of Reenie. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are her dreams and fears? What is most valuable to her in her world?

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