View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Coleman says he will end the ___________ if it means saving his relationship with his children.

2. One of Coleman's female students complained about Coleman teaching ___________ which discriminated against women.

3. Delphine thinks that Coleman is just ________________ Faunia in their relationship.

4. Les realizes he must __________ Coleman in order to make things right with his buddy.

5. Where were the mean crows taken to once they were reported to be stealing from people?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Coleman decide to never tell his children or his wife about his racial heritage?

2. What happens to the personal ad Delphine sends out in order to find love?

3. What happens to stop Coleman from going to Delphine's office to confront her?

4. What is the real reason Faunia gets angry with Coleman for reading to her when they get up the next morning?

5. What was the complaint that Coleman refused to listen to from a student, which made Delphine an adversary?

6. What does Lisa think about Coleman's obvious attraction to Faunia?

7. What is the rumor that Jeff tells Coleman Lisa has heard, causing the rift in their relationship?

8. What is in the content of the first letter that Delphine writes to Coleman, though she tears it up?

9. What does Coleman worry has caused the many troubles between himself and his children?

10. What are the three men on the campus of Athena College talking about as Coleman is sitting on a bench?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When it's discovered that Faunia has a diary, it seems that her claims of illiteracy may not be true.

Part 1: Why would someone hide the fact that they could read?

Part 2: Why do you think that Faunia decided to pretend that she was illiterate?

Part 3: Why do you think Coleman never realized Faunia was indeed literate?

Essay Topic 2

Les is an interesting character as he almost seems too "bad" to be believable. His actions are almost predictable - too predictable.

Part 1: Why do you think Lester would have been with a woman like Faunia?

Part 2: Why do you think that Lester couldn't come back and heal himself after Vietnam?

Part 3: Do you think it's realistic that Les murdered Coleman and Faunia? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

It's interesting that the story includes a modern day reference to the Bill Clinton scandal, as it mirrors other events in the story as well.

Part 1: Why do you think the author decided to include the reference to the Bill Clinton scandal?

Part 2: Do you think Clinton's situation and Coleman's situation are similar? Why or why not?

Part 3: What do you think the novel has to say about affairs between older men and younger women?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 679 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample