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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 bites Basil's cheek one night?

2. What has Mattie's father called Butch?

3. Who is the author of this book?

4. "Or crust over like ____________________?"

5. The people of Brewster Place could be called a _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Etta Mae Johnson?

2. Describe how Brewster Place is separated from the city's growth.

3. How does the author use the literary technique of a flashback in Chapter 2, Part 1?

4. Describe the metaphor that the author uses to describe Butch.

5. Who is Butch and why is Mattie so attracted to him?

6. How has Mattie evolved to become the wise, loving matriarch of Brewster Place?

7. Ciel has so much love to give but she places it in the hands of the wrong man. Explain Ciel's unfortunate choices while looking for love.

8. How is it that Kiswana cannot see the blood on the bricks, only rain water?

9. What is Mattie's father's role in her life?

10. How does Mattie become the voice of what is right and fair when the other women are antagonistic toward Theresa and Lorraine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the prevalent themes in the book is making the best of the situations you get in life. Cite at least three examples that support this theme and explain why they do.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of song lyrics throughout the book. Cite at least five, noting the titles, artists and the pertinent meaning for the story line.

Essay Topic 3

Even though Butch does not have noble intentions with Mattie, he is at least honest about it. Do you think this was appealing to Mattie? Is Butch very different from the other men in the story in this way? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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