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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. Where does Coleman walk after his tense and upsetting meeting with the lawyer, even though he has not done so for years?

2. Where has Lester Farley already tried to get help after his service in the military?

3. Who asked Coleman's family to encourage Coleman to do less well in a few classes?

4. On the day she died, Iris was in perfect health aside from a __________ that would not leave her alone.

5. As a result of the problem in the classroom, Coleman decides to return to the __________ and to resign as the dean.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Coleman and Iris marry if they were complete opposites without passion for each other?

2. What is Coleman's religious background and why is this an important detail to note?

3. What makes Iris a strong woman, according to the descriptions in the book?

4. What does Mr. Silk believe is the most important thing in life, especially for a black man?

5. What does Coleman do after his father dies when he is a student at Howard?

6. What happened on the day that Nathan found Coleman in only his shorts?

7. What does the doctor who visits Coleman's family when Coleman is in high school want from Coleman and his family?

8. What does the lawyer tell Coleman in regards to the restraining order against Farley?

9. How does Coleman reveal his family secret to the woman he loves while he's in college?

10. How does Coleman reveal to Iris his racial background when they are getting married?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The choice Coleman makes to not talk about his racial background causes grief for many people in his life - even if they don't realize it.

Part 1: How might Coleman's life have been different had he been upfront about his race?

Part 2: What might have happened with the "spoof" incident had Coleman confessed his background?

Part 3: How might Coleman's family life have been different had he been honest about his heritage?

Essay Topic 2

Faunia, to some, seems to be the innocent victim of an older man, but is this really the case?

Part 1: Do you think Faunia is as innocent as she wants to be perceived by others? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think Faunia pretends to be dumber than she actually is? What might be the benefits of this act?

Part 3: What might have happened in Faunia's life had she been honest to others and to herself?

Essay Topic 3

Delphine is an interesting character, one who seems to want to help Coleman and yet hurt him, too.

Part 1: Why do you think the Delphine is so quick to attack Coleman?

Part 2: Do you believe Delphine might have feelings toward Coleman? Why or why not?

Part 3: What do you think might happen if Delphine were to confess her true feelings about Coleman?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample