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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 rumor does Mawu tell the women about the Tawawa House?

2. Lizzie knows that she must have faith in whom?

3. What does Sweet ask the slave women to help her bury in memory of her daughter who has died?

4. What is the name of the steamship on which Drayle, Philip and Lizzie travel?

5. Drayle makes arrangements for the slaves to go to _______________ to do something nice for Sweet.

Short Essay Questions

1. What spiritual connection does Mawu feel for Lizzie?

2. Does the author bring closure to Lizzie's story at the end of the novel?

3. Why does religion play such a big part in the lives and deaths of the slaves?

4. How does Lizzie show her naivete regarding the rape on the ship and Drayle's reaction to it?

5. Why is Drayle's decision to send Nate to school in Ohio a bittersweet one for Lizzie?

6. What is different for Lizzie during the last trip to the Tawawa House?

7. Why is Sweet's death so bittersweet for the women?

8. Why is Lizzie reminded of watching a dog die while lying in the sun after Philip is punished by Drayle?

9. Explain the nature of Drayle's character in that he can do much harm under the pretense of doing the right thing.

10. What is Reenie's position on the survivor spirit in each slave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author shows more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples of loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Mawu. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are her dreams and fears? What is most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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