The Slave Dancer: Chapters 1-6
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Who is Jessie?
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The narrator's brother.
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The narrator's sister.
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The antagonist.
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The narrator.
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This quiz assesses comprehension of 'The Slave Dancer' for chapters 1-6, focusing on key characters, settings, and plot developments. It evaluates understanding of narrative elements and historical context, enhancing literary analysis skills.
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- 2.
What is Jessie's mother's occupation?
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Butter Churner.
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Seamstress.
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Maid.
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Singer.
Correct Answer
A. Seamstress.Explanation
The correct answer is "Seamstress." This occupation refers to someone who sews, alters, and repairs clothing professionally. It is likely that Jessie's mother works in this field, indicating that she has skills and knowledge related to sewing and fashion.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is a bight?
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A curve or recess in a coastline
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An enclosure in which black slaves were confined for a limited period.
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A small insect that feeds on the fibers of the cotton
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A slave that was too old for any purpose
Correct Answer
A. A curve or recess in a coastlineExplanation
A bight is a term used to describe a curve or recess in a coastline. It refers to a bend or indentation in the shoreline, which can create a bay or a small, sheltered area. This geographical feature is commonly found along coastlines and is formed by various natural processes such as erosion and sediment deposition.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Why is Jessie late coming home at the beginning of the book?
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He was playing with his friends.
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He was visiting his aunts.
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He was detained at school.
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He was at the slave market.
Correct Answer
A. He was at the slave market. -
- 5.
Which crewmember did Jessie fear the most
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Grimes
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Cawthrone
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Stout
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Spark
Correct Answer
A. StoutExplanation
Jessie feared Stout the most because the question asks for the crewmember that she feared the most. Since Stout is listed as one of the options, it can be inferred that he is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 6.
For what were the slaves to be traded in Charleston?
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Tobacco
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Rum
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Molasses
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Land
Correct Answer
A. MolassesExplanation
In Charleston, the slaves were to be traded for molasses. Molasses was a valuable commodity used in the production of rum, which was a prominent trade item in the region. Slavery played a significant role in the economy of Charleston, and slaves were often traded for goods that were in high demand, such as molasses, to support the thriving industries of the time.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which country opposed the slave trading business the most?
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Mexico
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England
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Spain
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United States
Correct Answer
A. EnglandExplanation
England opposed the slave trading business the most. England played a significant role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade during the 19th century. The British government passed several acts to restrict and ultimately abolish the slave trade, such as the Slave Trade Act of 1807. England's opposition to the slave trading business was driven by a combination of moral, economic, and political factors. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in England, leading to the eventual emancipation of slaves in British colonies through the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why was Jessie kidnapped?
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He signed up for the voyage.
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They needed a rat catcher.
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The Captain wanted him so he could play his fife to dance the slaves.
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He wasn't his aunt signed him up.
Correct Answer
A. The Captain wanted him so he could play his fife to dance the slaves.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that Jessie was kidnapped because the Captain wanted him to play his fife to entertain the slaves. This implies that the Captain saw Jessie's musical talent as a means to control and entertain the slaves during their voyage.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was the cat-o-nine used for?
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Entertainment
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Punishment
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Steering the ship
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Measuring distance
Correct Answer
A. PunishmentExplanation
The cat-o-nine was used for punishment. This type of whip consisted of nine tails, typically made of leather, which were used to inflict pain and discipline on individuals as a form of punishment. It was commonly used in various historical contexts, such as in the military or on ships, to enforce discipline and deter misconduct.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was stolen from the captain?
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An egg
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Wine
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A chicken
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A hat
Correct Answer
A. An eggExplanation
The captain had an egg stolen from him.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What problem was evident when The Moonlight entered the Night of Benin?
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It was starting to storm.
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The British had set fire to the barracoon, or confined place holding the captive natives.
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The ship caught on fire.
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The ship was running low on water.
Correct Answer
A. The British had set fire to the barracoon, or confined place holding the captive natives.Explanation
When The Moonlight entered the Night of Benin, the problem that was evident was that the British had set fire to the barracoon, which was the confined place holding the captive natives. This indicates that the British were intentionally causing harm and destruction to the captive natives, further exacerbating the already dire situation they were in.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What happened to the little girl- the first to be brought aboard the ship?
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She died on the voyage back.
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Stout through her overboard
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Purvis threw her overboard
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She was beaten to death.
Correct Answer
A. Stout through her overboardExplanation
The correct answer is "Stout threw her overboard." This suggests that the little girl was thrown overboard by someone named Stout.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which job didn't Jesse have to do?
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Catch rats
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Cook
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Heaving waste over the side
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Play his fife
Correct Answer
A. CookExplanation
Jesse didn't have to do the job of cooking.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What name did the Captain give Jessie?
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Little rat
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Fife boy
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Bollweevil
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Young man
Correct Answer
A. BollweevilExplanation
The Captain gave Jessie the name "Bollweevil".Rate this question:
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- 15.
The smell Jessie detects aboard The Moonlight comes from
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the cargo area where slaves have been confined.
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Spoiled fish caught by the crew
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crew members who have not bathed
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The surrounding bayous
Correct Answer
A. the cargo area where slaves have been confined.Explanation
The smell that Jessie detects aboard The Moonlight is coming from the cargo area where slaves have been confined. This suggests that the slaves are being kept in poor conditions, possibly leading to a foul odor.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The kidnapped Africans are forced to dance on deck because
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If they are healthy they are worth more
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The crew must clean the cargo area
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The crew wants them to enjoy the voyage
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Dancing reduces homesickness and depression
Correct Answer
A. If they are healthy they are worth moreExplanation
The correct answer suggests that the kidnapped Africans are forced to dance on deck because if they are healthy, they are worth more. This implies that the crew wants to ensure that the slaves remain in good physical condition to fetch a higher price in the slave trade market. Dancing might be seen as a way to keep them active and maintain their health during the voyage.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The crew must live on reduced rations because
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Most must be saved for the Africans
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they could be caught by the British
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the captain intends on selling any extra food
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Sailors traditionally do without food.
Correct Answer
A. Most must be saved for the AfricansExplanation
The crew must live on reduced rations because most of the food supplies must be saved for the Africans. This suggests that there is a limited amount of food available and it needs to be prioritized for the Africans, possibly indicating a scarcity or a humanitarian situation where the Africans are in greater need of food.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Purvis sets up a tent on the deck of The Moonlight
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for the Africans to sit under when they have their meals
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To provide shade for the captain
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to create an area where Jessie can play his fife
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To prevent other ships from seeing the enslaved Africans
Correct Answer
A. for the Africans to sit under when they have their mealsExplanation
The correct answer is for the Africans to sit under when they have their meals. This answer is supported by the information given in the question, which states that Purvis sets up a tent on the deck of The Moonlight for the Africans to sit under when they have their meals.Rate this question:
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- 19.
In chapter 4 of The Slave Dancer, what does Purvis say determines ownership of a ship?
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The flag
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The cargo
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The shroud seal
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The captain's place of birth
Correct Answer
A. The flagExplanation
Purvis states that the flag determines ownership of a ship. This means that the nationality of the flag that a ship flies determines who owns the ship. The flag represents the country or nation that the ship belongs to, and therefore determines its ownership.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Why was the male slave forced to drink rum?
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It's a very crude way of preventing the slaves on board the ship from dying.
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It's a very crude way of scaring the other slaves.
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It's is done to entertain the crew.
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The male slave refuses to dance.
Correct Answer
A. It's a very crude way of preventing the slaves on board the ship from dying.Explanation
The male slave was forced to drink rum as a crude method to prevent him and other slaves from dying. This suggests that rum was used as a form of medication or treatment to combat illnesses or diseases that were common among slaves on board the ship. The high alcohol content in rum may have been believed to have some medicinal properties or to kill off harmful bacteria. This practice highlights the harsh and inhumane conditions that slaves were subjected to during their transportation.Rate this question:
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- 21.
How many times a week did the slaves have to dance in The Slave Dancer?
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Jessie is forced to play his fife to make the slaves dance every other day.
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Jessie is forced to play his fife to make the slaves dance every day.
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Jessie is forced to play his fife to make the slaves dance at every meal.
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Jessie is forced to play his fife to make the slaves dance once a week.
Correct Answer
A. Jessie is forced to play his fife to make the slaves dance every other day. -
- 22.
In The Slave Dancer, why is chapter 3 called "The Shrouds"?
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Purvis is declared a thief, whipped, and hung from the shrouds.
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Jessie is forced to clean the shrouds.
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It is a metaphor comparing the ship to the slave trade.
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Jessie is forced to wrap a dead slave in a shroud.
Correct Answer
A. Purvis is declared a thief, whipped, and hung from the shrouds.Explanation
In chapter 3 of The Slave Dancer, the title "The Shrouds" refers to the punishment that Purvis, a character in the book, receives. He is declared a thief and as a consequence, he is whipped and hung from the shrouds. The title of the chapter is derived from this significant event, which highlights the harsh realities and brutal treatment that the slaves on the ship endure.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Why did the captain have Spark thrown overboard?
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Because he shot a slave
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Because he stole food
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Because he whipped a slave
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Because he was dying
Correct Answer
A. Because he shot a slaveExplanation
The captain had Spark thrown overboard because he shot a slave. This action was likely seen as a severe violation of the ship's rules and the captain's authority. Shooting a slave would have been considered a serious offense, and the captain's decision to throw Spark overboard can be seen as a form of punishment or retribution for his actions.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What is a cabociero?
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He was a Portuguese black, who was also known as a broker.
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He was a slave that was too old to work.
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He was a Spanish black, who was also known as a broker.
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He was a Portuguese black, who was also known as a slave
Correct Answer
A. He was a Portuguese black, who was also known as a broker.Explanation
A cabociero refers to a Portuguese black individual who was also known as a broker. This suggests that the person had a profession as a broker and was of Portuguese and African descent.Rate this question:
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Mar 15, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 20, 2018Quiz Created by
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