View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What euphemism does Sarny use to describe menstruation in Chapter 1?

2. What does John cover in his first "lesson" with Sarny in Chapter 3?

3. What does Sarny say her last name is in Chapter 1?

4. What is Sarny doing when the master arrives with John in Chapter 3?

5. What is the name of Mrs. Waller's sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Sarny's birth and early childhood described in Chapter 1? Are Sarny's experiences common for slaves at this time?

2. How does the author describe the regulations and rules regarding slaves and religion in Chapter 2?

3. What does Mammy measure on the sticks that she keeps for each child on the plantation? Why?

4. How does John behave toward the other slaves after his arrival in Chapter 3?

5. What intrigues and inspires Sarny to want to learn to read and write? What risks does she take in doing so?

6. When is the first time that Sarny describes hearing the word "free" in Chapter 2? What were her perceptions of this word?

7. What is significant about the animal imagery that is seen in Chapter 3?

8. How is Sarny's relationship with Mammy illustrated in Chapter 1? How does Mammy feel about the other children she cares for?

9. How does Mr. Waller behave toward John as he brings him into the plantation in Chapter 3?

10. How does Sarny describe the process of meals for the slaves at the plantation in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the structure of the narrative plot of Nightjohn. Where in the text do the following occur: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement? How traditionally structured is the plot of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the rights, roles, and expectations of women in the 18th and 19th century American South. Examine the responsibilities and roles that a figure such as Margaret Waller would play in her household and plantation. How many “house-slaves” might a family like the Wallers have? What would have been the main contribution of the slave-master’s wife? How did these roles differ for slave women?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Clel Waller in Nightjohn. How old is Clel Waller? How would you describe Sarny’s opinions of Master Waller? How do the other slaves feel about the master? How does Waller’s character evolve in the course of the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 978 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample