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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 Laura ask when Essie encourages her to read her Bible?

2. What is Essie's opinion of Laura's lifestyle?

3. What does Laura want to play a greater role in church services?

4. Who does the painting of Adam resemble in Laura's imagination?

5. Of what is Laura still jealous?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think is the significance of Chapter 26's title, "Moon Over Harlem"?

2. How does the relationship between CJ and Marietta compare to that of Laura and Buddy in Chapters 26 and 27?

3. How is the narration's description of the North being a Black mecca ironic?

4. The theme of greed is woven throughout the entire book. How is the theme is clearly introduced in Chapter 9?

5. In Chapter 20, Laura gives some details about her early childhood; in what way is Laura the same as her mother?

6. What do you think might be the significance of the title "Palm Sunday," of Chapter 1?

7. What do you think is the symbolism of the rock mentioned in Chapter 3?

8. What does Laura suggest near the end of chapter eight that seems to set the dynamics of how Essie and Laura participate in the "church" and what do you think might be the consequences?

9. How is the title of Chapter 34 related to the New Testament?

10. There are two things that Essie mentions that foreshadow future events. Name two possible things that foreshadow future events and what you think they might foreshadow.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The chapter titles in this book are very important both as clues to the content but also as symbolic representations of events and characters. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Choose two chapter titles other than "Palm Sunday" and "Visions of a Rock" and explain fully why they are titled as such, how the title informs the events of the chapter, and the title's symbolic meaning. Is the title effective? Does it fit the content of the chapter?

2. In a detailed essay, explore the chapter title "Palm Sunday" and its symbolic significance both in the events in that chapter and throughout the book.

3. In a detailed essay, explore the chapter title "Visions of a Rock" and its symbolic significance both in the events in that chapter and throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

Much of the imagery in this book is religious in origin; none more so than the Garden of Eden imagery. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the story of the Garden of Eden and give a very brief synopsis and interpretation of the story as told in Genesis.

2. Go through the book and cite all the images that are related to the Garden of Eden. Explain what the image is; how it is related to the Garden of Eden; and any symbolism it may represent.

3. Several characters at various times play the role of the serpent or "tempter." Find several instances when a character is fulfilling the role of tempter (or temptress) and discuss what is happening, why, and the resolution.

4. How does the ending of the book offer two different versions for the Garden of Eden? (i.e. one character is thrown out of the Garden, the other chooses to continue to cultivate the garden to create an even lovelier paradise). Was this ending inevitable? Where could things have changed for Laura so that she could have remained in the Garden?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in TAMBOURINES TO GLORY are the central focus of the novel; in other words, the characters drive the plot rather than the other way around as is the case in some novels. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Write an in-depth character analysis of Essie. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate her. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Write an in-depth character analysis of Laura. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate her. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

3. Choose three other characters besides Laura or Essie and write about them in relationship to both Laura and Essie. Are they friendly or hostile to either main character? Explain with examples. What is their purpose(s) in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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