Black Boy Study Questions: Ch. 12 - 16

Ch. 12-14:

1. Identify Shorty. Describe his character and compare his personality to Richard.
2. Why did Richard Fight Harrison?
3. What was the Result of the fight?
4. What author/editor intrigued Richard? Explain who he/she is.
5. How did Richard manage to get books from the Library?
6. What effect did the books have on Richard?
7. How did Richard finally get to go North from Memphis?
8. Explain the last line in ch. 14: "This was the culture from which I sprang. This was the terror from which I fled."

Ch. 15-16:

1. Describe Richard's reaction to Chicago. Why did it seem "unreal"? What were the racial differences?
2. Explain: "That voice jarred me...storekeepers in Arkansas" (263). How does this show his growth and marturity?
3. Describe Richards reaction and feelings toward Mr/Mrs. Hoffman. Use specific detail from the novel with page numbers!
4. Who are the "garveyites"? What was so intriguing about them?
5. What differences did Richard see in The Negro Communists and Negro Preachers?
6. Explain the significance of: "I felt that the Negro could not...so well as the negro could" (297-8).
7. Why did Richard write: "I protest this fraud"?

Black Boy: Ch 7 - 11

Directions: Please read chapters 7 - 11 and insightfully answer the questions below. You do not need to write out the questions again, but be sure they are numbered and answered insightfully.

ALL QUESTIONS ARE DUE MONDAY, EVEN CH. 7.

HOWEVER, CH 7 MUST BE READ FOR FRIDAY.

Ch 7-8

1. What was the Vodoo of Hell's Half Acre?
2. What did the north symbolize for Richard?
3. What effect did the death of Ned's brother, Bob, have on Richard? Give specifics from the text.
4. Why did Richard refuse to deliver the pre-written graduation speech?

Ch 9-11

1. What three incidents left an impression on Richard during his time working at the clothing store?
2. what advice did Griggs give Richard?
3. Why did Richard quit working at the optical company?
4. Describe Mr. Crane's attitude towards Richard.
5. How did Richard get enough money to go North?
6. Why did Richard resort to crime?
7. Who was Mrs. Moss? Bess?
8. What plans did Mrs. Moss have for Richard?
9. Why did Richard refuse Bess?

Black Boy Questions: Ch 5 and 6

Please answer the following questions below. You don't need to print or rewrite the questions, just number and answer in complete sentences. Incorporate specifc details from the novel.

Ch 5 - 6

1. Find an interesting citation from chapters 5 - 6 and explain, in detail what the quote means and how it indicates change and growth for the character.
2. How did Richard's family react to his sixth grade promotion?
3. Why did Richard sell anti-Negro newspapers?
4. Why did Addie say she would kill Richard?
5. Who was Brother Manse and what did Richard gain from his job with him?
6. How did Addi and Granny react to Grandpa’s death?
7. What was Richard’s mother’s reaction to his defiance of Granny and Addie and their consent to his working?
8. Explain why Richard did not want to work for the white woman who gave him moldy molasses.
9. Why did Richard begin attending Sunday School?
10. Why did Richard finally consent to being baptized in the church?
11. Why did Richard threaten to cut his Uncle Tom with razors?