If Beale Street Could Talk

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1, Pages 3-75

Reading Check

1. How were Tish and Fonny christened?

2. Why does Tish take the bus home from visiting Fonny?

3. According to Tish, what does “trouble” mean?

4. Where did Tish’s parents first meet?

5. Who does Sharon think is keeping Tish and Fonny from being married?

6. Who were “the nicest people that [Tish] had met in all New York?”

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Compare and contrast the settings where Tish announces her pregnancy to Fonny and Sharon. What are Fonny’s and Sharon’s reactions?

2. Summarize Tish’s feelings about New York City. What does she attribute her happy memories to?

3. Briefly summarize the beginning of Tish and Fonny’s friendship.

4. As Tish lies in her bed, she overhears her family talking about Fonny and the lawyer. What does this conversation reveal about her family’s relationship with Fonny?

5. In her recollection of her first intimate moment with Fonny, Tish notes several realizations she has throughout the course of the day. Describe at least two of these realizations.