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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 3: "Part Three: The Eight Pillars of Caste".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On page 12, Wilkerson says that some contagions can only be managed with "vigilance." How is she proposing they should be managed?
(a) With great speed.
(b) With brute force.
(c) With careful thoroughness.
(d) With constant watchfulness.

2. In "Pillar Number Five: Occupational Hierarchy: The Jatis and the Mudsill," what is the rhetorical purpose of including the Hammond quotes?
(a) This is a defining historical moment that explicitly supports the chapter's central claim.
(b) It bolsters Wilkerson's ethos, making the reader more receptive to her claims about India.
(c) This illustrates the depth of hatred that White Southerners had for the lowest caste.
(d) It demonstrates that religious belief is incompatible with endorsement of a caste system.

3. In "Pillar Number Eight: Inherent Superiority versus Inherent Inferiority," what is the Louise Beavers anecdote meant to illustrate?
(a) That White filmmakers feared the audience reaction to an attractive Black woman.
(b) That it is impossible to judge intelligence and character based on skin color.
(c) That Mary Pickford was concerned about being upstaged by a Black actress.
(d) That Black Americans have been made to assume the markers of inferiority like an actor playing a role.

4. On page 11, what does Wilkerson indicate the term "evangelical voters" is code for?
(a) Rural.
(b) White.
(c) Working class.
(d) Bible Belt.

5. On page 68 of "Chapter Six: The Measure of Humanity," what does Wilkerson say is "one of the most contentious and misunderstood" words in American culture?
(a) Discrimination.
(b) Racism.
(c) Caste.
(d) Race.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Vitals of History," what does Wilkerson compare an honest and rigorous study of history to?

2. In what year did Alabama repeal its law against interracial marriage?

3. In "Pillar Number Eight: Inherent Superiority versus Inherent Inferiority," what is Wilkerson's central claim?

4. How many American states had laws officially prohibiting marriage between Blacks and whites?

5. On page 15, Wilkerson says of the old house that "whatever is lurking will fester." What is especially apt about her choice of the word "fester"?

(see the answer key)

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