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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. Why does Jim Weston begin to play music?

2. What does Sister Taylor do to end the argument with the sassy young girl?

3. When will Jim Weston's trial begin?

4. What is Mary Ella's criticism about the Methodist Church?

5. What explanation does Sister Thomas offer to explain Joe Clarke's decisions regarding the trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jim respond to the part of the crowd that throws him out of town?

2. In Act III, why does Daisy threaten to leave after Dave arrives at the train tracks?

3. How does Joe Clarke defend his decision to oversee the trial?

4. Compare the greeting that Sisters Thomas and Taylor give Reverend Childers and Joe Lindsay to the greeting that they give Deacon Simms and Joe Clarke.

5. How do the children's religious background become a competition?

6. Describe the men's reaction to Deacon Simms' arrival.

7. What complaint does Walter make about Baptist theology?

8. How do the men of the town suggest that Mrs. Roberts be dealt with?

9. Describe Reverend Childers' successful prosecution argument. How does he convince Joe Clarke that Jim is guilty of assault with a weapon?

10. What does the crowd on the porch suggest to Dave and Jim about Daisy's intentions, and how do the men respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many people who read "Mule Bone" feel that the play should not be staged because of the satirical picture it presents of African-American life. Hughes and Hurston filled the play with exaggerated stereotypes in an attempt to allow African-Americans to laugh at themselves. To the authors, a culture can never truly be equal unless it has the freedom to laugh at itself. However, others feel -- even today -- that the play is demeaning and should not be given attention. Defend or attack the authors' position. Should the play be produced and staged? Why or why not? Provide examples from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Ironically, the disagreement between Dave and Jim in some ways mirrors the falling out between the authors. While Dave and Jim fight over a girl, Hughes and Hurston fought over the play itself. Compare and contrast the disagreements between these two pairs. What do these details reveal about the friendships? You may use the essays included in the Harper Perennial edition to help with this topic.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters in "Mule Bone" are real hypocrites. They say one thing and then do another, or they make contradicting statements throughout the play, obviously trying to please or impress whoever they happen to around at the time. This characteristic is a focus of the authors' satire. Analyze their attack on hypocrites and their use of satire. Be sure to provide specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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