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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who finally listens to Selina's worries about Silla's plan to sell Deighton's land?
(a) Suggie.
(b) The priest.
(c) Miss Thompson.
(d) Miss Mary.

2. What does Selina think that her mother wishes that she were?
(a) Older, so that she could work.
(b) Taller.
(c) A boy.
(d) Smarter.

3. In Book 2, Pastorale, what does Selina ask to do with her best friend?
(a) Visit a boy.
(b) Spend the afternoon at Coney Island.
(c) Look for her father.
(d) Go to Prospect Park.

4. Who is Father Peace?
(a) A man from Barbados who claims to be God.
(b) A missionary from the Caribbean.
(c) A priest who tries to help Selina's family.
(d) A man who Deighton believes to be God incarnate.

5. What type of job do most immigrant women in the story have?
(a) Doing laundry.
(b) Raising chickens.
(c) Waitressing.
(d) Cleaning houses.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Selina think that babies are born by cutting the mother's stomach open?

2. Which of the following is the year in which the opening of the book is set?

3. Why does Miss Thompson not go to the doctor?

4. What is the relationship between Mary and Maritze?

5. What is one of the main issues that the Boyce family faces?

Short Essay Questions

1. Miss Thompson's roommate has three little girls, but it is Miss Thompson who cares for them. Why is that?

2. Why does Suggie drink rum and act so promiscuous?

3. In Book 1, Chapter 3, why is Maritze so annoyed with Suggie's romantic adventures?

4. Why is Deighton in such a happy mood at the beginning of Chapter 5?

5. How is the issue of racism introduced in Book 1?

6. Why do you think that Deighton is seeking out a mistress?

7. Following his work injury, why does Deighton see no point in engaging in physical therapy to enable his injured arm back to full strength?

8. In Book 2, Beryl and Selina have a conversation about babies being born. Why do they not know the facts of life?

9. Why does Silla want to sell the land that her husband has inherited in Barbados so badly?

10. What event takes place in Book 3 that coincides with the beginning of World War II?

(see the answer keys)

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