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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 reason does David give for not wanting to go to Philadelphia with his mother?

2. Who does the pastor plan on seeing in Philadelphia?

3. Where is the pastor planning on going after the church service in Act 1?

4. How did Luke know where to find Margaret?

5. Which of the characters is the pastor as the play opens?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a "shout" song mentioned in "The Amen Corner"?

2. Why does Margaret say "God don't like liars" in Act I?

3. What does Sister Sally have to say in Act II about traveling to Philadelphia?

4. What is Odessa referring to when she tells Margaret that everything will be like a bad dream. What else might she be referring to?

5. Why doesn't David want to go to Philadelphia?

6. What signs are in Act I that Luke is sick?

7. Describe the Alexander home in the play.

8. Explain the layout of Sister Margaret Alexander's home and the church and their relationship to each other in this play. Be sure to define any theatrical terms.

9. What are the three women talking about at the beginning of the second act?

10. What happens before Luke dies in Act III?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Notes Section, author James Baldwin indicates a personal knowledge of what his characters go through when he states that "I know what Sister Margaret goes through, and what her male child is menaced by." In his life, Baldwin didn't know his biological father, but was raised in Harlem by a stepfather who was reported to be a stern pastor. In knowing that "The Amen Corner" came from his personal experience, what do you think Baldwin was trying to say about religion? Cite examples to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

The church elders believe that Margaret is being hypocritical because she's not as holy and pure as she pretends to be. Discuss how the church elders are also being hypocritical.

Essay Topic 3

In the first act, Margaret preaches on "Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." Discuss how her sermon foreshadows what is to come.

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