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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Peggy decide must have happened to Mary?
(a) Mary probably waited for Bigger to leave then snuck out of the house again.
(b) Mary probably left earlier than expected because she is usually unpredictable.
(c) There must have been some kind of foul play because Mary is usally very responsible.
(d) To Bigger's shock she told him that Mary has lost her head since dating Jan Erlone.

2. Before Bigger puts more coal on the fire, what is he certain he sees in the furnace?
(a) The white cat watching him again.
(b) He can't see anything because the light it out.
(c) The shape of Mary's body beneath the coals.
(d) Peggy watching from the top of the stairs.

3. What happens when Bigger arrives at Bessie's apartment and he tries to kiss her?
(a) She isn't interested because he ignored her at the diner.
(b) She argues with him about not being home when she tried to visit him the night before.
(c) She tells him that since he now has a job he can marry her.
(d) She tells him if he doesn't marry her it means he is ashamed of her.

4. What does Bigger begin to wish for all blacks?
(a) That they will become superior to the whites and treat them like they have been treated.
(b) That they will one day make their own laws and rules.
(c) That someone will bring them together to make their lives better.
(d) That one day blacks will one day be equal to whites.

5. After he returns to work at the Dalton house, what happens when Peggy asks Bigger to tend to the furnace because it has been running too hot?
(a) He tells Peggy the furnace is fine, but he will check it anyway.
(b) He fears she suspects something and plans on how he will kill her if she discovers anything about Mary.
(c) He tells Peggy he will check the furnace later.
(d) He hurries down the stairs to shake the ashes.

6. What goes through Bigger's mind when he hears the music from the church?
(a) He hates the music and can't wait to find another apartment.
(b) He half wishes he was a believer like his mother, but doesn't want to give up his sense of self.
(c) He hums along, but feeling to peace he gets angry.
(d) He wishes he could be with his mother.

7. What is Bigger's only regret about what he did to Bessie?
(a) He has no regrets.
(b) He regrets she didn't see things his way.
(c) He didn't take back his engagement ring.
(d) He left $90 in her pocket.

8. What are Bigger's plans for the kidnapping farce?
(a) Put $1,000 in a hat box that Bessie will retrieve.
(b) But $100,000 in a shoe box that will be dropped and Bessie will retrieve.
(c) Put $100,000 in a hat box that he will retrieve.
(d) Have $10,000 put in a shoe box that will be dropped and Bessie will retrieve.

9. In book two, how do the reporters decide to frame their stories?
(a) That the communists have plotted the kidnapping and are blaming it on Bigger.
(b) That the negros want to be left alone and the communists forcing their beliefs on them.
(c) That the communists and the negros are working together to get the ransom.
(d) That negros are becomming more involved with communisim.

10. How does Mrs. Dalton look when she comes to Bigger's room to question him about Mary's disappearance?
(a) She's wearing black because she knows Mary is dead.
(b) She's dressed in white and she looks suspicious.
(c) She's dressed in white and she is very pale.
(d) She's wearing a white pants suit and has her white hair tied back in a bun.

11. On the streetcar on the way to Bessie's apartment what does Bigger want to shout?
(a) That he knew something they didn't know.
(b) That he was lucky to have a good job.
(c) That he killed a rich, white girl.
(d) That he was in love with a beautiful girl.

12. After Bigger returns to the Dalton home with Mary's trunk, he again goes to check the furnace. Who interrupts him?
(a) Mr. Dalton and a group of white men.
(b) Mrs. Dalton and a white private investigator.
(c) The police.
(d) Mr. and Mrs. Dalton and Peggy.

13. How does Bigger feel committing murder has changed his life?
(a) He feels it has opened the door to opportunity.
(b) He is afraid he will spend the rest of his life on the run.
(c) He feels powerful and ready to kill again.
(d) It has given meaning to his life.

14. How is building Bigger chose as the lookout point for the money drop described in the story.
(a) A vacant building in the slums.
(b) A large, white building.
(c) A tall, white and silent building.
(d) A white, vacant, quiet building.

15. What happens when Britten backs Bigger against the wall and grabs his collar asking him about the pamphlets Jan Erlone gave him?
(a) Mr. Dalton tells Britten that Bigger probably wouldn't even understand the brochures.
(b) Mr. Dalton tells Britten, Bigger probably knows nothing about them and doesn't even know Jan Erlone.
(c) Bigger wants to hit the private investigator, but controls the urge.
(d) Bigger stares coldly into the eyes of Britten until the man releases him.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Bigger leaves Bessie and returns to the Dalton's house what does Peggy tell him to do and why?

2. In what ways does Bigger act to give the impression he thinks Mary is asleep upstairs in her bedroom?

3. What does Bigger overhear Mrs. Dalton saying to Peggy when she learns her daughter is gone?

4. What does Bigger give his friends when he sees them the morning after Mary's murder?

5. How much money does Bigger show Bessie to try to impress her?

(see the answer keys)

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