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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 is Guitar drinking?

2. Where does Empire State like to hang out?

3. From whom do Macon and Pilate try to hide?

4. What is Milkman's job as he works with his father?

5. What does Macon Dead do for work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Sing according to Susan?

2. Why does Milkman decide to travel to Danville?

3. What is the legend of Milkman's great grandfather?

4. Why does Milkman receive a much different reception when he enters the General Store the second time?

5. How does Hagar try to kill Milkman as he is lying on the couch?

6. When Milkman is 31, what is he out doing before Christmas?

7. What does Milkman notice about himself as he grows older?

8. What is Milkman's reaction to the message he receives at the General Store?

9. What is Hagar's reaction to Milkman's breakup letter?

10. What idea does Macon resist when talking to Milkman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The attempt to fly is just one of the ways Morrison symbolizes the characters' need to escape from their conditions.

Part 1 - Describe the opening scene with Robert Smith and why he decided he wanted to fly away.

Part 2 - What is the significance of the story of Solomon the Flying Man? What does it mean for the rest of the characters?

Part 3 - Why do you think Milkman decides to fly as well at the end of the story? Is it a sign that he has given up or is it a sign of strength? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The songs in this book are powerful points in the story and they relay different ways the characters feel about each other and the different ways the characters are connected.

Part 1 - Give three examples of the way song is used in this novel (besides the title).

Part 2 - Describe what each of these examples of song seem to say about those who are singing and about those who are sung to.

Part 3 - Obviously, the title is an example of song as well, but why do you think this title was chosen? What is its significance? Is it a strong title? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Dreams seem to play a significant role in this story as well, helping to shed light on mysteries the characters are facing.

Part 1 - List two examples of dreams in this story and describe them as best you can.

Part 2 - What is the significance of each of these dreams? What do they tell the character? What do they tell the reader?

Part 3 - Why are dreams used in novels to relay information? Wouldn't narrative be just as effective? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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