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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. Which member of the family featured in "Drenched in Light" always does the dishes?
(a) Joel.
(b) Papa.
(c) Grandma.
(d) Isis.

2. Isis's grandmother allows Isis to go to a hotel with a white couple after they give her how many dollars?
(a) 3.
(b) 5.
(c) 1.
(d) 2.

3. John agrees to help save what type of structure in the face of an approaching storm?
(a) A train platform.
(b) A bus depot.
(c) A bridge.
(d) A water tower.

4. Sam does NOT decide to acquire which item when he becomes determined to win Stella's favor?
(a) A haircut.
(b) A shave.
(c) A new suit.
(d) A car.

5. How many of the stories in the collection have never before been presented to a modern audience?
(a) 4.
(b) 8.
(c) 2.
(d) 12.

Short Answer Questions

1. What text is used to condemn the actions of the man who used violence to steal a turkey in "The Bone of Contention"?

2. Which character rails against John's announcement that he intends to join the Navy?

3. Just before Spunk dies, he blames which character for causing his death?

4. What object belonging to her grandmother does Isis use as a festive outfit for dancing at the carnival?

5. What adjective does Isis's grandmother apply to Isis while warning her to stop sitting atop the gate post?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what reason does John leave the house during a storm in the story entitled "John Redding Goes to Sea"?

2. What is the symbolism of the tablecloth featured in the story "Drenched in Light"?

3. According to Genevieve West, what conclusion did scholars come to regarding the story "Muttsy," prior to the discovery of the eight other stories contained within the collection Hitting a Straight a Lick With a Crooked Stick?

4. In what way is the theme of family bonds depicted in the story entitled "John Redding Goes to Sea"?

5. In what way does Hurston depict the difference between the two generations depicted in "Magnolia Flower"?

6. In what way do Alfred and Matty act as foils to one another within the story "John Redding Goes to Sea"?

7. What does Spunk's Stetson hat represent within the story entitled "Spunk"?

8. What is the main setting of the story "The Bone of Contention" and for what reason is the same setting represented within the story "Spunk" and others?

9. Discuss an instance in the collection when Hurston emphasizes the way in which white people exoticize black people.

10. What does the young disabled man featured in "A Bit of Harlem" say his teacher had told him about heaven? Why is this comment significant?

(see the answer keys)

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