The Amen Corner Test | Lesson Plans Mid-Book Test - Hard

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Mid-Book Test - Hard

Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________


Short Answer Questions


2. Who says something about "wishing you'd leave the Lord's work to the Lord."?


4. Who says, "Tell him to call on the Lord!"

5. Where is the pastor planning on going after the church service in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Margaret demand that David turn off the music on the phonograph in Act II?

2. In Act II, Sister Moore reports that people are coming to the church because they want an accounting from the church elders. What is she referring to?

3. Why does Margaret want to take David with her to Philadelphia?

4. What is a "shout" song mentioned in "The Amen Corner"?

5. Describe what Margaret sees when she first enters the church in Act III.

6. Why does Odessa lecture people in the church about the costs of operating a church in Act II?


8. Why is Ida Jackson distraught at the beginning of Act III?

9. Margaret makes all kinds of excuses as to why David might have drank liquor, including friends making fun of him, a girl, or his father. What was David's reason?

10. What does Act II tell you about Sister Sally?

Essay Topics

Essay Topic 1

In the Notes Section, author James Baldwin indicates a personal knowledge of what his characters go through when he states that "I know what Sister Margaret goes through, and what her male child is menaced by." In his life, Baldwin didn't know his biological father, but was raised in Harlem by a stepfather who was reported to be a stern pastor. In knowing that "The Amen Corner" came from his personal experience, what do you think Baldwin was trying to say about religion? Cite examples to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2


Essay Topic 3

The new refrigerator is mentioned throughout the play. In particular, Brother Boxer focuses on it, starting with "This ain't no icebox, this is a Frigidaire." What does the refrigerator symbolize?

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