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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. Who does Beverly say got him his freedom papers?

2. What does Sally say will eat Beverly up if he stays at Monticello?

3. In July 1820, who does Harriet remind that it is hard to be a freed slave?

4. According to Harriet, what isn't safe for a free black woman?

5. What does Harriet's fiance tell her he does not want her to give up too quickly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Martha like Madison?

2. What does Mammy Ursula say to Harriet that eases her feelings about Sally's apparent lack of concern at her leaving?

3. Why is Harriet's fiance worried that by becoming engaged to him she will be trading one master for another?

4. What about Sally's attitude toward Beverly's decision on the subject of his freedom bothers Harriet?

5. What reason does Harriet give Martha for her decision to pass as white?

6. How does Harriet explain to Beverly her belief that she is not turning her back on her family and race by passing for white?

7. Why is Jefferson a little offended when he learns of Harriet's engagement to Thad?

8. Why does Harriet's fiance say that Jefferson lies about slavery?

9. What does Harriet finally realize when she considers that the other slave girls have only getting married and having babies in their futures?

10. Why is it clear that Peter Carr is not Harriet's or Beverly's father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Jefferson is an actual historical figure, the author undoubtedly takes some license in the portrayal of his character and the relationship between Jefferson, Sally, and Harriet. Discuss the way in which Jefferson's character and his interactions with Sally and Harriet are portrayed. What parts of these interactions are likely literary fabrications? Are there certain elements we know to be true? What are these elements?

Essay Topic 2

Madison and Eston, as a pair, and Beverly symbolize to contrasting mindsets regarding Harriet's decision to pass as white. What do Madison and Eston symbolize? What does Beverly symbolize? Compare and contrast the characters.

Essay Topic 3

Slavery is painted in a fairly rosy light in Wolf by the Ears. Yet, we know that this was not the norm. Why do you think the author glosses over the grittier aspects of slavery? What purpose does this serve in terms of the novel? If slaves had been treated poorly at Monticello, how might Harriet's journey toward freedom have been different?

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This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample