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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. Who is the National Guard soldier who stakes out Christmas with his troops?

2. Why does Byron need Hightower to get involved with Christmas' plight?

3. Why do the townspeople leave the old couple alone?

4. What does Christmas come to understand about women?

5. What does Hightower's grandfather wear during the Civil War?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Negroes of Mottstown support Mr. Hines who preaches white supremacy in Negro churches?

2. Why is Hightower so upset that Byron has asked for his help with the situations regarding Lena and Christmas?

3. New life has significance in more than one way in this chapter. Explain.

4. How does Christmas know that he has run far enough for now?

5. The cries of Lena's newborn child are significant for Byron. Why?

6. Other than the fact that he is a good person, why does Hightower feel the need to help Christmas?

7. What does Hightower finally realize as he sits at his window watching the fading light?

8. Explain this statement made by Christmas: "Whether they are seventeen or fortyseven, when they finally come to surrender completely, it's going to be in words."

9. Why does Byron force an encounter with Brown after Brown flees from Lena in the cabin?

10. Why does Christmas feel he will be safe at Miss Burden's place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Christmas has a few dreamlike episodes where he disassociates himself from his actions. Why do you think he does this? Are these situations really just dreams or are they really happening?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Christmas have trouble accepting kindnesses, especially from women? What role, if any, do the dietitician, Mrs. McEachern and Miss Burden play in his inability to receive kindness?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the month of August in the book? What does its position in the year symbolize. The month of August is especially poignant for a few characters. Who are they and what does August mean for them?

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