Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

Sarah Louise Delany
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Short Answer Questions

1. Although the sisters can be very different, they are _____.

2. In what year did the Jim Crow laws take effect on a federal level?

3. Delany was required to convert to which faith?

4. If fulfilled, this wish would make Bessie as old as _____.

5. When someone makes a statement and is proven to be wrong, it is often said that the person has to eat ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. The sisters talk about their situation during World War II. Discuss at least one issue the sisters had at that time.

2. Who convinced the sisters to move to Westchester? What kind of reception did the sisters receive?

3. What gift of Bessie's was not readily acknowledged? Why was it kept under wraps?

4. What was the general impression of Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s? What was the other side of the situation?

5. What drastic action did the sisters take to care for Nanny?

6. What is an issue-free Negro? What is the difference between an issue-free slave and a freed slave?

7. Who was the Mock family? How were they important to the Delanys?

8. What does the author say about Sadie and Bessie in regards to their age and view of history?

9. What about the Delany sisters surprises most people? What is the general opinion of the Delany sisters' neighbors?

10. What was the marital status of the sisters? What was their explanation?

Essay Topics

Essay Topic 1

The Delanys were a family of professional people, which was almost unheard of in their early careers. The women often faced additional challenges because of their gender as well as their race. How do you think the atmosphere of the professional world has changed since Sadie and Bessie's time? Have the values of professional women changed since the Delany sisters' heyday? Why do you think the sisters were so adamant about pursuing careers instead of marriage? Do you think the Delany sisters were unusual or before their time?

Essay Topic 2

Interracial relationships were not common in the late 1800s. Examine the relationship between Mr. Miliam and Nanny's mother. What were the specifics of the relationship? Was Nanny treated differently because her father was a white man? Did Miliam's wealth have anything to do with the level of acceptance in the relationship? Why was the couple never married? How might the same relationship be viewed today? How did the relationship affect Miliam's inheritance to Nanny and the children? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Although the Delany family had many admirers, they also had detractors. Examine the type of person that might be most likely to detract from the family's accomplishments. Why do you think some of the lower class black families were resentful of the Delanys? Were they jealous? Did they have the same ambition or opportunities? Why did some think the family was trying to live in a white man's world? What does it mean when people said that the Delanys were trying to live above their station? How did the Delanys react to their supporters and detractors? What is your opinion?

(see the answer keys)

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