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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. What was the name of Julia's husband?

2. Who was the editor of the Amsterdam News?

3. What happened to the cottage in the end?

4. Part five talks about the revitalization of which New York neighborhood?

5. What was the cause of Lucius' death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Sadie was tricky when it came to getting a job at a high school. What was Sadie's trick? Why was it necessary?

2. Discuss at least two of Bessie's major challenges at Columbia.

3. What is written about the assassinations of the famous leaders of the time, particularly those involved in the Civil Rights Movement?

4. What does Bessie say about the extra effort that must be put forth by Negroes?

5. Examine the incident with the cottage, Bessie, and the judge.

6. Discuss Julia's move to New York. How did Julia's presence affect Bessie's attempt to get work?

7. Discuss how Sadie's knowledge of vitamins and minerals benefited the family over the years.

8. What drastic action did the sisters take to care for Nanny?

9. As one might expect, Bessie got the last word in the book. What was Bessie's final insight?

10. Who convinced the sisters to move to Westchester? What kind of reception did the sisters receive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bessie jokes that the reason she and Sadie have lived so long was due to the fact that neither ever got married. Do you think there is any truth to that statement? Did Bessie mean what she said or was she joking? Why do you think neither sister ever married? How was that choice viewed by the rest of the family? Did either have a boyfriend? How might things have changed if one or both of the sisters had married? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The Delany family attended school at St. Augustine's, as did their parents. Discuss in detail St. Augustine's school. Why did Henry and Nanny attend St. Augustine's? What were their majors? What made the Delanys decide to stay there? What kind of education did the children receive at the school? What jobs did Henry and Nanny have? Was St. Augustine's school a religious, private or public school? Where did the children go after leaving St. Augustine's school?

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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