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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. In book two when Bigger finally falls asleep after hearing Peggy and Mrs. Dalton talking about Mary, what does he recall in his dream?

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

3. What idea does Bigger get after Bessie mentions he is working near the site of the Leopold and Loeb case?

4. What does Bigger do to Bessie after they go to the old building to hide?

5. What happens when the first police officer comes through the trap door to the rooftop?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although Bigger was very quick with his deceit and able to think on his feet, so to speak, in what way was he becoming his own worst enemy?

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

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

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

5. In Book two, what does Bigger do at the drug store?

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

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

8. 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.

9. What deterred the Daltons from being excessively concerned when they found Mary wasn't in the house the morning after she was murdered?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

There are places in the story where Bigger demonstrates a keen ability to visualize a situation ahead of time to evaluate the outcomes. Was this an advantage or disadvantage to him in the story? Give examples in the essay.

(see the answer keys)

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