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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. This chapter is a story about the life of Alourdes' ______________, Philomise.

2. What does the spirit do to Philo?

3. When he finds her, she repeatedly refuses service to him. Why?

4. This spirit goes absolutely wildly out of control at the sight of ______________.

5. What does this spirit tell her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What story takes place regarding Alourdes in the previous chapter? How is this related to this chapter?

2. What does this chapter reiterate about the responsibility of serving the spirits?

3. What do all the women in this family have in common?

4. How has Alourdes been like Ezili?

5. What is learned about the choices made regarding the women in this culture?

6. Who is important in this chapter? Why is she important in comparison to Alourdes?

7. What is Alourdes' main role in Vodou? Describe her actions in this role. Why does she act this way?

8. Compare the focus on morality and sexuality in the Vodou culture as compared the many people in America? How do these differences affect many Americans' views of Vodou?

9. Why do the initiates do the answer to number 55 in the cemetery?

10. What is learned about participating in the initiation rite?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dreams are important in Vodou culture.

Part 1) Describe the dreams that are discussed in this book. How are they tied to Haitian Vodou culture? How are these dreams important in this culture?

Part 2) Are dreams important in our own culture? Why or why not? How does a Western interpretation of dreams compare to that of a Vodou interpretation? Why?

Part 3) What types of dreams are important to Americans? Why is this type of dreaming compare to the dreams one has during sleep? What does this reveal about our culture?

Essay Topic 2

There is a growing need for Manbos.

Part 1) What is a manbo? How is this person important in Vodou culture? Why are manbos increasingly more important in Haiti? What does this reveal about Vodou culture and life in Haiti?

Part 2) How are these cultural changes seen in other cultures around the world? How is religion becoming more important in some cultures? Why?

Part 3) Would you want to be a manbo? Why or why not? Would you be able to accept a role such as this in another religious organization, if it were offered to you or asked of you? Why or why not? How do manbos reflect the role of religious leaders in a community?

Essay Topic 3

The truth about Vodou is told in this book.

Part 1) Summarize Vodouism. What are the truths about Vodouism? How do these truths compare to your initial thoughts about Vodou?

Part 2) How does Vodouism compare to other religions? What are the reasons for these similarities and differences?

Part 3) How has your opinion and knowledge of Vodou changed throughout the course of this book? How might this influence your opinions of other religions and beliefs?

(see the answer keys)

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