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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 hurries down the stairs to shake the ashes.
(c) He tells Peggy he will check the furnace later.
(d) He fears she suspects something and plans on how he will kill her if she discovers anything about Mary.

2. What happens when the first police officer comes through the trap door to the rooftop?
(a) Bigger throws snowballs at him.
(b) Bigger runs away.
(c) Bigger knocks him unconscious.
(d) Bigger shootes him.

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

4. In book two when Bigger finally falls asleep after hearing Peggy and Mrs. Dalton talking about Mary, what does he recall in his dream?
(a) How Mrs. Dalton nearly caught him with Mary in her bedroom the night before.
(b) How his mother warned him he'll end up in the gallows if he doesn't straighten out his life.
(c) How noisy he was when he took the trunk the the basement the night before.
(d) How noisy he was when he took the trunk to the car that morning.

5. While hidden Bigger reads a newspaper about the search for him. Why do the authorities still think Jan Erlone is the mastermind behind the entire murder and ransom?
(a) Because Jan Erlone refused to be released and has signed a confession.
(b) Because coming up with such a detailed plan would be beyond the Negro mind.
(c) Because Jan Erlone is a communist and they hate communists.
(d) Because Mr. Dalton really liked Bigger and wanted to help him.

Short Answer Questions

1. In book two, how do the reporters decide to frame their stories?

2. What happens when Britten backs Bigger against the wall and grabs his collar asking him about the pamphlets Jan Erlone gave him?

3. Why does Bigger seem bothered that the newspaper only just wrote about him after he killed Mary?

4. What did Bigger's mother say to him after she awakens the morning after the killing?

5. Where does Bigger place the ransom note to be certain Mr. Dalton gets it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the argument Bigger had with his family as he tried to pack his things the day after Mary's death?

2. What things made the Daltons begin to worry about their daughter being gone?

3. When did Bigger realize how quickly news was going to spread that he had killed Mary?

4. What was Bigger's fatal mistake in his plan to dispose of Mary's body?

5. Why did Bigger decide to try to blame Jan and the Communist Party for the kidnapping?

6. What kind of power did Bigger have over Bessie that she continued to obey his direction even though she knew it was wrong?

7. Describe Bigger's treatment when he was finally caught.

8. What was Bessie's reaction when Bigger arrived at her apartment the morning after the murder of Mary?

9. When Bigger awoke in the morning after Mary's death, what happened when he remembered what he had done the night before?

10. As Bigger arrived at the Dalton home on the morning after Mary's murder how was he feeling?

(see the answer keys)

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