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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. How does Mrs. Dalton look when she comes to Bigger's room to question him about Mary's disappearance?

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

3. What does Jan Erlone think when he hears Bigger's lie about him?

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

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?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. What is the Loeb and Leopold case that gave Bigger the idea to pretend Mary was kidnapped and collect a ransom?

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

7. How did Bigger feel about killing Bessie?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fear, Flight and Fate Themes:

Write an essay about the way each of these themes were demonstrated in the story. Did any of them intertwine? If so, when/how?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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