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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 do both Maureen and Bam refuse from July at the beginning of the novel?

2. To whom is Maureen introduced in Section 2?

3. What is Bam not aware of when he shows the gun to the villagers?

4. Why is Bam really angry with July in Section 4?

5. In Section 1, where are the children sleeping, once in the hut?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what Bam and July are able to make for the village.

2. What does Maureen mean when she says “death is a purchase” (pg 65)?

3. Why does July object to Maureen’s use of his wife’s cough syrup?

4. Explain what Maureen discovers as she notices various gadgets being used around the village.

5. What is July’s plan to tell people, when they question his driving of the bakke, and why does Bam object?

6. Explain Maureen’s reaction to meeting Martha and July’s mother in Section 2.

7. Why do you think July is so insistent that the Smalls continue to allow him and his family to work for them?

8. Describe the situation with the vehicle in Section 3.

9. In Section 2, what does July try to explain to his family about the Smalls?

10. What does the author mean by “a contempt and humiliation that came from their blood and his” (pg 62)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Maureen relates things back to one’s economic position. Choose one of these times, and explain how Maureen views the situation. Why is the topic related to economic position? What does this say about Maureen, from a social level? On a more personal level? Do you believe Maureen is accurate in her perceptions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the book, the chief is willing to kill other blacks in order to save his own lands and power. Describe this concept. Why would the chief be willing to kill “his own people” in the words of the Smalls? What does July explain that shows blacks are not all in collusion with one another? How does the chief see other blacks if they threaten his power? Does the Smalls’ belief that they should band together show support or a lack of understanding? Why?

Essay Topic 3

July plays up his power role in his home community, telling the Smalls he is listened to in his village and that he is powerful. However, Maureen accuses him of attempting to use them, and their belongings, to further his power. Why would July need the Smalls, or their things, to improve standing in his community, and what does this imply about July as a person?

(see the answer keys)

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