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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 much money does John ask to borrow from Dudley?

2. What can Mattie tell about Grandma tonight?

3. Who owns the brownstone where Grandma Wilhemina lives?

4. What does Dudley remind John that is Jeff's true achievement?

5. How can John's demeanor be described as he comes into the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mattie consider to be a big problem in her family?

2. What is Jeff's explanation for his leaving the Air Force and how does John react?

3. Why have the group members brought Skeeter to Jeff's house?

4. Who is Ann Vanderguild?

5. How does Grandma inadvertently upset Mattie when they are talking about John?

6. Why does Dudley decide to tell John about Mattie's health?

7. What is Dudley's philosophy of medical practice and death?

8. What happens when Mo derides Jeff's dream of fighting for Black rights via the legal system?

9. What happens to Skeeter as Jeff and Al talk?

10. What are the police demands when they surround the house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

THE RIVER NIGER is set in the 1970s in the wake of the Civil Rights movement in America. What impact did this factor have on the author? What impact did this factor have on the characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The setting of the book is Harlem in New York City in America during recessionary times. Explain how this affected people in America overall. Then drill down to explain how people in Harlem were affected. What impact did financial situations have on the lives and outlooks of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample