1 What is Essie’s act of rebellion at the end of the novel? She sets the plantation on fire. She kills Solomon, the son that Paul forced her to bear. She stabs Paul. She runs away with Amos. 2 How has Paul’s mother affected the plantation? It is named Elizabeth in her honor. She bought the slaves. It is planted with her favorite flowers. She wanted it to be a strawberry farm. 3 Why does Amos ask Massa Paul if he can preach to the slaves? He overheard Paul talking about how the slaves needed Christianity. He truly believes in the Christian God. Amos wants to conduct secret meetings away from the cotton fields. Amos believes that if he converts the slaves to Christianity, Massa Paul will respect his marriage to Essie. 4 Why does Maggie loathe James? He told Ruth a lie about her. He raped her and tried to kill her. He killed her daughter. He shot her in the leg. 5 Why does Maggie dislike children? She once raised an annoying child. She has bad memories of being forced to breastfeed Ruth’s children. She had too many siblings as a child. She thinks they are too noisy. 6 How did Samuel come to the plantation? He was born there. He arrived there as a baby. He was sold to the plantation as a teenager. He was found in the woods. 7 How is Timothy different from Paul and Ruth? He studied in the North, and has slight abolitionist sympathies. He disagrees with slavery and refuses to own slaves. He wants to get married immediately. He was adopted. 8 Why does Paul disapprove of Timothy? He knows that Timothy is homosexual. He wanted a daughter instead. He thinks that Timothy is not his real son. Paul believes that Timothy is too ‘soft’ to continue his work on the plantation. 9 Why does Ruth dislike Adam? He accidentally tripped her one time. He is Paul’s illegitimate child. He has made advances on her. He insulted her. 10 How did Essie and Isaiah become friends? They met as children. When forced to have sex in The Fucking Place, they grew closer. They came to Empty together. They were never friends. 11 Why is the tribe so distressed at having the strangers in their village? They dislike having visitors before an important ceremony. They believe the strangers are skinless demons, or some kind of abomination of nature. The strangers have hurt one of their villagers. The strangers smell strange. 12 Why does King Akusa allow the strangers to stay in her village? She wants to make friends. She is fascinated by their skin color. She enjoys having strangers. She is cautious of acting hastily and upsetting the ancestors. 13 How does Brother Gabriel react to the marriage ceremony between Kosii and Elewa? He thinks it is a warrior ritual at first, then is dismayed to find out it was a marriage between two men. He is concerned about the welfare of Kosii and Elewa. He is approving of the celebrations. He does not see the marriage ceremony. 14 How did Sarah come to the Halifax plantation? She was sold here as a baby. She was born there. She was forcibly separated from her lover, Mary, at another plantation. She does not remember. 15 What kind of ceremony are Kosii and Elewa having? They are getting married. They are commemorating the dead. They are being initiated into the tribe as warriors. They are celebrating their birthdays. 16 Who is Essie's lover? Amos Paul Isaiah Samuel 17 Who does Puah have feelings for? Sarah Samuel Amos Isaiah 18 How did Essie and Amos meet? They met as adults when Essie confessed her attraction to Amos. They grew up together as children. Paul chose him out of a lineup of male slaves to impregnate Essie. They met by the river when they were bathing. 19 What is Adam's job on the plantation? A farmhand The coach-driver A cotton-picker An overseer 20 Who is Be Auntie sleeping with? Zeke James Samuel Amos 21 Who tells Massa Paul about Samuel and Isaiah’s relationship? Essie James Ruth Amos 22 Why is James so cruel to the slaves? He is ashamed and insecure of how similar their economic statuses are. He had a bad experience with a slave as a child. He wants to impress Paul. He dislikes farm workers. 23 What is James’s response to Samuel and Isaiah’s relationship? He thinks it is best to leave them be, as it does not affect their work in the barn. He thinks that Samuel and Isaiah should be separated immediately. He advises Paul to kill them. He knew it all along. 24 Why does Adam avoid the Big House? Ruth dislikes him and in the past, has laid traps for him to get him punished. He does not want to get the houes dirty. He is afraid of running into Timothy. He does not like the smell of flowers. 25 Who tries to stop Amos when he goes to tell Paul about Samuel and Isaiah? Maggie Puah Essie Be Auntie