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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 has Martha seen a photograph?

2. What do the children bring to help the small animals born in their hut?

3. What does Maureen learn in Section 7 that they must to do to stay in the village?

4. Why does Maureen find her husband attractive during dinner an evening in Section 7?

5. Why is Bam suddenly rendered incapable of action in Section 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is July’s feeling about Maureen working in the fields, and why?

2. Explain why Maureen drowns the kittens and what this implies about her?

3. Why do you think Maureen runs for the helicopter at the end of the novel, leaving her family behind?

4. Explain how July sees his chief.

5. Explain why Maureen thinks they need to leave in Section 9.

6. Why do you think Gina and the kids are so readily accepted, but Bam and Maureen are not?

7. Describe Maureen’s point about the smell of her family.

8. Why is Martha resentful toward Maureen when she asks where July has gone in Section 10?

9. Explain Maureen’s feelings about her life, prior to the riots, as reflected upon in Section 9.

10. What is July’s mother’s primary objection to the white people?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The children in the novel regress throughout the book, and by the end, they are having difficulty even reading. Describe at least three moments in the book where one of the children “loses” their privileged behaviors and instead substitutes behaviors they are learning from the village children. What does this indicate about their ability to adapt, as opposed to their parents’ ability?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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