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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 job offer does Oliver finally take?

2. As the irrigation project becomes less and less of a reality, Susan writes and illustrates more. What does Oliver do to relieve his frustration?

3. Why does Oliver begin looking for another job?

4. Who joins the Wards in the irrigation project as an employee?

5. When Lyman's mother dies, who takes responsibility for his education?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Susan's attitude about Idaho?

2. In this chapter, Lyman describes some of the resources he uses to recreate the life of his Grandmother Susan Ward. Describe them.

3. In this chapter, how does Susan's relationship with Frank Sargeant change?

4. What is Susan's attitude towards Oliver when she returns to New York and is with her friends?

5. Why do Oliver and Susan argue when he returns from the mine inspection in Mexico?

6. How does Oliver disappoint Susan and embarrass her to her family and friends?

7. Why is the job offer from US Geological Survey a mixed blessing?

8. What is Susan's impression of Mexico?

9. How does this chapter highlight the differences in approach to life by Oliver and Susan?

10. Why doesn't Susan leave with Frank?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role did Shelley Rasmussen play in the plot movement in this novel? How did she compare with Susan Ward in Lyman's eyes? How did the author use Shelley to explain Lyman's character?

Essay Topic 2

Could Susan have been a mining engineer? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What are the themes of this novel, and did the author express them well?

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