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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. How did the first Mrs. Derby die?

2. Why does Mr. Derby not kill Isabelle after learning her baby is mixed race?

3. Why does Teenie not know her exact age?

4. Where is Clay taking Tidbit and Myna in Part Five?

5. How do the white people at the slave auction in Part One act toward the slaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part Three, how can Amari tell that Polly feels superior to the slaves?

2. Who are Amari's nurses after the beating from Mr. Derby? How does each woman contribute to Amari's healing?

3. Describe the working conditions of the rice field hands.

4. How do the white slave purchasers act toward the obvious relationship between Afi and Amari?

5. How are Amari and Isabelle Derby able to connect?

6. Describe the plan for freedom that Cato, Teenie, Polly and Amari discuss in Part Six.

7. How does Polly's certificate of indenture help to establish the setting of the novel?

8. How does Mr. Derby intend to punish the servants who are involved in trying to hide Mrs. Derby's baby?

9. Why does Polly feel no sympathy toward the slaves being auctioned?

10. Who is Cato?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Detail the changes Amari and Polly must undergo to become true friends.

Essay Topic 2

Amari comes to realize that "she must concentrate not on what was lost, but on what must be found" (225). In an essay, examine this statement focusing on the changes that occur in Amari as she processes this lesson.

Essay Topic 3

What are the events that instill within Amari the ability to fight for her freedom?

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