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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kept Solomon from joining the other slaves in their nighttime 'coon and opossum-hunting expeditions?
(a) The hunting expeditions were conducted in the predawn hours of the day.
(b) He did not like the taste of 'coon.
(c) He did not care for the taste of opossum.
(d) The hunting expeditions were conducted at night.

2. For what reason did Epps give Solomon what turned out to be his last whipping?
(a) For having forgotten to clean out the carriage house.
(b) For oversleeping.
(c) For stealing from him.
(d) For lying.

3. What was the primary reason for the inharmonious nature of Epps Plantation with the environment around it?
(a) The constant threat of torrential rain.
(b) The beatings that the slaves suffered at the hands of Epps.
(c) The lack of productivity at the plantation.
(d) The plantation's small size in comparison to its surrounding environment.

4. Based on Author Northrup's description of the Christmastime gatherings attended by slaves and plantation owners, what seemed to be missing from the festivities?
(a) Music.
(b) Children.
(c) Clergymen.
(d) Food.

5. According to Author Northrup, what disturbed the peace around the Epps plantation?
(a) The non-stop crowing of roosters.
(b) The sounds made by flying wild geese.
(c) The sounds of trains passing by a couple of miles away.
(d) The sound of a slave being whipped.

6. Who seemed to suffer the most among Epps' slaves?
(a) Phebe.
(b) Bob.
(c) Patsey.
(d) Wiley.

7. Which of the following critter types was most costly to the planters?
(a) The termite.
(b) The caterpillar.
(c) The red ant.
(d) The worm.

8. How did the slaves in Bayou Bœuf view Lew Cheney?
(a) As a powerful and influential friend.
(b) As a leader/then a traitor.
(c) As a traitor/then a leader.
(d) As a slave driver.

9. What two words could be used to accurately characterize slave owner, Edwin Epps?
(a) Nice, friendly.
(b) Harsh, cruel.
(c) Quiet, funny.
(d) Friendly, anxious.

10. What was the reason behind Avery hiring Solomon to help him build a house for Epps?
(a) He could not find anyone else to help him build the house for Epps.
(b) Solomon had a reputation of being a hard worker.
(c) Solomon had helped him build house for others in the past.
(d) Solomon had been highly recommended to him by Epps.

11. Why were men in the North not allowed to settle disputes with pistols or fistfights?
(a) Because neither person in a duel or a fistfight ever won.
(b) Because there were no hospitals in the North.
(c) Because they lived in a civilized society.
(d) Because there were no cemeteries in the North.

12. Which of the following could be viewed as Epps' loss in the course of mistreating his slaves?
(a) Costs associated with constant leather whip replacements due to heavy use.
(b) A decrease in productivity due to his slaves having been beaten to the point of not being able to work.
(c) Leading his son to believe that he did not have to respect.the slaves--even if they were older than him.
(d) Profit loss resulting from the work of his slaves.

13. What concerned Solomon the most after Bass wrote and sent letters to those who might be able to help him regain his freedom?
(a) The writing style that Bass used in writing the letters.
(b) The delay in receiving an answer from any of them.
(c) The quick and misleading answer he received.
(d) The lack of reliability to Bass exhibited later.

14. Why did Solomon have a different attitude about working for Judge Turner?
(a) Because Judge Turner paid him and he felt rewarded for his work.
(b) Because Judge Turner provideed very good meals for his workers.
(c) Because he and Judge Turner were friends.
(d) Because Judge Turner and William Ford were friends; and Solomon wanted to make a good impression.

15. What seemed to be most valued by Epps' slaves at Christmastime?
(a) The Christmas Dance.
(b) The Leave Passes.
(c) The Christmas Supper.
(d) The singing that took place.

Short Answer Questions

1. Because it appeared that both the slaves and the white folks would put their differences aside at Chrismastime, what was the common denominator that encouraged both groups to do that?

2. What did Solomon receive for Christmas, 1852?

3. What may have been the underlying reason that William Ford was willing to let Mr. Eldret hire Solomon?

4. What was Epps' status at the time that he bought Solomon from John Tibeats?

5. Which male pair below provided Solomon with sweet type work?

(see the answer keys)

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