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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 Bigger contemplate while standing on the rooftop?

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

3. After Bigger returns to the Dalton home with Mary's trunk, he again goes to check the furnace. Who interrupts him?

4. The South Side Real Estate Company is what to Bigger?

5. What is Bigger's only regret about what he did to Bessie?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what ways was Bigger's capture similar to the opening of the book when Bigger chased, eventually killing the rat?

3. What did Bigger's brother, Buddy, have to say to him?

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

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

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

7. The morning after Mary's killing, as Bigger rode the street car on his way back to the Dalton house, he spent a lot of time reflecting on the plight of black people. Explain what Bigger thought would be a solution to their fear and shame.

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

9. What is the one problem Bigger feels he has to do before he will be okay?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the very end of the story Max is upset when Bigger comes to the conclusion that it must have been good that he killed. In an essay explain Bigger's reasoning and how he came to that conclusion. Also explain what Max is trying to make Bigger understand after he comes to this conclusion. Why might the two men have different views on this subject?

Essay Topic 2

Symbolism of words "White" and "Black"

The author of this novel, Richard Wright, has used the words "Black" and "White" heavily throughout this novel. Write an essay on the symbolism of these words, using several examples of each from the novel. Include whether or not the words influenced you at all as you read it.

Essay Topic 3

Use of Actual Historical Events:

The author of this novel, Richard Wright, used actual historical events in the novel to bring more life to the story and to aid in his plot. In particular he mentioned the Scottsboro Boys and the Leob and Leopold Case. Write an essay about these cases and how they fit into the novel. Add any additional points used that were from real historical events.

(see the answer keys)

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