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

2. Of what, in addition to assault, does Joe Clarke suggest that Jim Weston is guilty?

3. What assurance does Deacon Simms give Sisters Taylor and Thomas?

4. According to Sister Taylor, what will be the cause of the next trial?

5. What does Dave Carter do while Jim Weston plays music?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What reason does Sister Thomas give to support why they should all testify for Jim at the trial?

3. How does Mrs. Thomas' show herself to be hypocrite with her response to Mrs. Blunt's request?

4. How do Dave and Jim compete for Daisy's affections in Act 3?

5. Why is Lum Boger unable to testify about the fight between Dave and Jim?

6. What complaint does Walter make about Baptist theology?

7. What outcome does Deacon Simms expect from the trial?

8. Describe Elder Simms' attitude toward the people of the town.

9. Describe Daisy's reaction to the accusation that she has come between Dave and Jim.

10. What examples in Act 3 reveal Daisy's manipulative side?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the conflict between the Methodists and the Baptists. How much of their conflict is rooted in religious doctrine, and how much is rooted in individual, personal bias? What do their complaints about each other reveal about the people in the community? What does their behavior reveal about their understanding of ethics, morality and values? Provide examples from the text to help support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play, adults behave like children, and children mirror the behavior of the adults. Explain how this circle of immature behavior creates a dysfunctional community. Provide examples from the text to support your points.

Essay Topic 3

Hughes and Hurston wrote "Mule Bone" as a homage to the use of humor in overcoming adversity. Oppressed cultures often rely on humor as a means of survival, and among Southern post-slavery African-Americans, humor and sarcasm were a means of attacking others and of expressing affection. Describe how this concept emerges in "Mule Bone." In what ways does humor strengthen bonds, and in what ways is it used to attack others? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.

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