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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. What is the demographic of the area where Brewster Place is located?

2. What does Mattie discover when she returns from work?

3. Of what does a cooking odor remind Mattie?

4. In what state did Mattie grow up?

5. From where did many of these new tenants migrate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Ciel has so much love to give but she places it in the hands of the wrong man. Explain Ciel's unfortunate choices while looking for love.

2. Compare and contrast Mattie and Basil.

3. How are Mattie and Ciel's lives the same? How are they different?

4. Explain how Kiswana's mother tries to show Kiswana what it means to be a strong black woman.

5. On what grounds do Ben and Lorraine form an unlikely friendship?

6. Describe the third generation of people to move into Brewster Place.

7. Explain the circumstances of Basil's arrest and his manipulation of Mattie while incarcerated.

8. How has Mattie evolved to become the wise, loving matriarch of Brewster Place?

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

10. According to the author, what happens when a dream dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of song lyrics throughout the book. Cite at least five, noting the titles, artists and the pertinent meaning for the story line.

Essay Topic 3

The author makes the following three points several times in the book related to what makes up a life: 1. What we have known; 2. The choices we have made; and 3. Whether or not we are capable of unconditional love. In your opinion, who best embodies these elements? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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