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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. In what year did Henry become a bishop?

2. How long had the sisters lived in that area?

3. Bessie believes that many people see her as being _____.

4. How many of the children went to college?

5. What is the word used that means those who tend to say negative things about others?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the public opinion of Henry Delany during his career? What changed the way people viewed the Delany family?

2. What was the reaction of many slaves when slavery ended? What did the slaves do upon being freed?

3. The book details the history of Nanny Logan Delany's family. What was unusual about the family dynamic?

4. Where did Henry and Nanny meet? What was unusual about their wedding?

5. Sadie talks about the drawbacks of being old. Discuss at least two references Sadie makes to her advanced age.

6. Discuss Jim Crow Days. When did they occur? What was changed by the laws?

7. What about the Delany sisters surprises most people? What is the general opinion of the Delany sisters' neighbors?

8. What was the marital status of the sisters? What was their explanation?

9. What was so important about Henry Delany's foray into the church?

10. What actions did the Mocks take that was illegal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the Delany family had many admirers, they also had detractors. Examine the type of person that might be most likely to detract from the family's accomplishments. Why do you think some of the lower class black families were resentful of the Delanys? Were they jealous? Did they have the same ambition or opportunities? Why did some think the family was trying to live in a white man's world? What does it mean when people said that the Delanys were trying to live above their station? How did the Delanys react to their supporters and detractors? What is your opinion?

Essay Topic 2

Even at their advanced ages Bessie and Sadie are completely independent. The sisters say that many people do not believe that they do not have a maid or helpers of any kind. Explain why people are so surprised at the sisters' level of independence. Do you think they could handle any situation that would arise at their home? Who helped with outside chores such as banking and grocery shopping? How were the neighbors involved in the sisters' lives?

Essay Topic 3

Write a complete character description of Sadie. What were Sadie's most significant traits? How was Sadie different than her siblings? How did Sadie fight against racism and gender bias? What was Sadie's profession? Was Sadie successful in her career? What is the most memorable thing about Sadie in your eyes?

(see the answer keys)

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