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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. Why is Miss Eva scolding Mattie?

2. Who is the story about?

3. What kind of company employs Mattie?

4. What is the subject of the Opening Poem?

5. Why does the author use these literary elements?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Butch and why is Mattie so attracted to him?

2. Explain Mattie's pain at the realization of Basil's cruelty toward her.

3. What is the fate of Cora Lee's babies as they begin to grow up?

4. What can the tenants tell from Ben's singing?

5. How do the women of Brewster Place view Etta?

6. What is Mattie's father's role in her life?

7. In what ways does Miss Eva help Mattie develop her character and maturity?

8. What is the reason the author uses these literary elements throughout the book?

9. What is Brewster Place?

10. The theme of baptism is an important one in the book. Explain why the rain that starts on the day of Ben's funeral is so significant.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of Mattie's dream? Does the author end the book on a hopeful note? Explain your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

One of the prevalent themes in the book is making the best of the situations you get in life. Cite at least three examples that support this theme and explain why they do.

Essay Topic 3

One of the prevalent themes in the book is baptism. Cite at least three examples that support this theme and explain why they do.

(see the answer keys)

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