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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Jeff bring back for Brother Thomas from Charleston when he visited his mother?

2. When Brother Thomas asks if Jeff will go back to visit his mom, Jeff says _____________.

3. When Melody does arrive at the airport, he is immediately stunned by her ____________ once more.

4. Then Melody tells Jeff that he is just like ______________ in the way that he waits for her to get him.

5. Melody asks Jeff is life is very ____________ for him, though she then tells him not to answer and make her feel guiltier.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Melody tell Jeff about the river in Charleston when they are out exploring the tow?

2. What does Melody say when Jeff tells her that he gets only Bs and Cs in school?

3. What is the reason that Melody gives to Jeff for leaving him and the Professor?

4. What does Jeff do when he feels like crying in order to avoid making a scene with his father?

5. What does the heron seem to be saying to Jeff as Jeff notices it flying across the island?

6. What does the Professor give to Jeff for Christmas, which causes Jeff to cry?

7. Who is waiting for Jeff at the train station when he arrives back home?

8. What did Jeff bring back from Charleston for Brother Thomas to enjoy?

9. What does the Professor do when he reads the note that was left for him from Melody?

10. Why are the two women at the house surprised to be introduced to Jeff by Melody?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Melody decides she wants custody of Jeff, he responds in a different way than he might have expected a few years earlier.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff reacts in the way he does when Melody decides she wants custody?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor acts in the way he does when Melody decides she wants custody?

Part 3: Why do you think Melody decides she wants custody of Jeff after all of these years?

Essay Topic 2

The title of the story is "A Solitary Blue," and while the imagery comes to life later in the story, there are more layers to this title's meaning.

Part 1: Why do you think this title was chosen for this story?

Part 2: In what ways do all of the characters experience solitude?

Part 3: Why is solitude an important motif in this story? What does it say about relationships?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout life, people make decisions based on the reactions of others. Jeff does this often in accordance to his parents and with whom he is living.

Part 1: Why does Jeff favor his mother at the starting point of this story?

Part 2: Why does Jeff change his mind about his mother at one point of the story?

Part 3: Which parent does Jeff seem to love more? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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