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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 Ruth drink the first time she goes back to Bop City?

2. What does Horace do that makes Esther laugh after the movies in Part III?

3. Who does James work for?

4. Why does Vivian invite Preacher Thomas to her house sometime in Part III?

5. Who minds the baby when Ruth is working?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part IV, what step does Vivian take regarding what is left of the singing group to try to reach for success again?

2. What does Horace argue to others who Mr. Belmont has approached?

3. What does Esther become increasingly involved with in Part IV?

4. In Part IV, what does Ruth do that Mary catches her at?

5. What doe Esther do when Horace leans in to kiss her?

6. What shocks the wedding party at the end of the celebration?

7. What do James and Chloe do in front of Chloe's house that she knows is dangerous?

8. What does James say Chloe the first time he sees her perform?

9. What does Esther overhear Mr. Franklin and Mr. Bailey saying about her in Part IV?

10. What does Vivian tell Esther to do when she and Chloe get back from the Dunbar audition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring how each of the three main characters Ruth, Esther, and Chloe assert more autonomy over their own fates as the novel progresses.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing Sexton's tone and style throughout this novel.

Essay Topic 3

How does Sexton demonstrate some of the prejudices and dangers that existed for gay Black men through Tony's and Ed's characters? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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This section contains 576 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample