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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 Thruston's job at Monticello?

2. Why does Martha agree to accept her father's assignment?

3. Where was Sally when she was offered freedom?

4. After the attack, what does Jefferson do to Bankhead?

5. What did Harriet want to ask God when she was a small child?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Sally, how can Harriet help other black people by passing as white?

2. If Harriet chooses to stay at the plantation, what will the overseer force her to do and why?

3. What is the most shocking part of Randolph's plan to protect Harriet?

4. What is Mammy Ursula's answer to Harriet when she asks why Sally didn't taker her freedom when she was in France?

5. Following the attack on Harriet by Bankhead, what is Harriet afraid the overseer will do?

6. What happens in December 1819 that shows Harriet is more important than the other slaves?

7. When Jefferson discovers Harriet in Sally's room, what answer does she give when he asks whom she thinks the clothes are for?

8. What causes Martha to go a bit easier on Harriet for passing as white?

9. What example does Harriet give to show that people are not always what they seem to be in the section called April 1820?

10. In April 1820, why does Harriet say she's afraid to accept her freedom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wolf by the Ears is considered a historical novel. What is a historical novel? How does this particular work fit into this genre?

Essay Topic 2

In Wolf by the Ears the major schools of thought or attitudes toward slavery that were present in Jefferson's time are represented. The reader encounters these viewpoints embodied by various characters: 1) Slavery is wrong and should be abolished; 2) Slavery is completely acceptable and should continue; and 3) Slavery is a gray area with no clear answer. Identify at least one character who embodies each of these viewpoints and discuss how that character illustrates the view.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the journey Harriet takes through the course of the novel. What is she like as the story begins and how has she changed by the end? What has changed about her view of the world? What has changed about her personality?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 679 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample