View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Reva tell Sue about the sheriff?

2. What does Sue think the person in her house wants?

3. What's the first thing Sue tells Reva to do when she comes inside?

4. What does Sue do when Reva leaves?

5. Why was one of Sue's sons arrested a year ago?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sue finally decide to do?

2. What happens to Sue first in the kitchen when she confronts who is in her house?

3. What types of trials has Sue handled in her life thus far?

4. What does the sheriff tell Sue and how does she respond?

5. What does Sue resolve to do as they take her to the sheriff?

6. What happens when Booker comes into the clearing?

7. Why can't Sue quit worrying about her son?

8. What does Sue tell Booker eventually and how does she feel about it?

9. What does Sue realize about Johnny-Boy and his work?

10. What does the sheriff ask her about the meeting and what does he threaten?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Bright & Morning Star" is a short story that explores the complex themes of racism and the wide reaches of a mother's love for her children.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

2. Compare the use of themes in this text with another story that you have read this year.

3. What other themes do you think might be used in this story? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

While it may seem inconceivable for a mother to stand by and watch her son be tortured, Sue knows that the emotional pain her son would feel if the other members of the party were seized would be far greater. And so, out of love for her son, she stands quietly by and does not respond to the sheriff's demands.

1. Do you think Sue was right or wrong to worry about her son's emotional pain? Why or why not?

2. How does Sue demonstrate her strength as she stands by while her son is tortured?

3. Do you think you could have done what Sue did? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

As the crowbar breaks his legs, Johnny-Boy turns his face away from his mother. A few moments later, he turns back to her and asks her to leave.

1. Why do you think Johnny-Boy turned his face away from his mother?

2. Why do you think Johnny-Boy asks Sue to leave?

3. Do you think Sue should have done as her son asked? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 959 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample