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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 kind of work does Andrew say he likes to do in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. What is Dick Scott's title?

3. What is Mrs. Atkins first name?

4. When Robert is a child, what does he look at and get to know by heart?

5. What does the child want to play with at the beginning of Act 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Andrew hears the news that Robert will die soon, how does he show his optimistic outlook about Robert's chances to get well?

2. What story does Uncle Dick tell the family as they sit around the table?

3. What does Mrs. Mayo say killed her husband?

4. How does Andrew try to make good on his promise to his brother to take care of Ruth?

5. Describe Robert's plan for his and Ruth's future when he gets well.

6. What is the relationship between Andrew and Robert at the beginning of the play?

7. What is Ruth reading when Robert comes in for dinner in Act 2, Scene 1?

8. How has Ruth changed after three years of being married?

9. Why does Ben quit his job as hired-hand?

10. What is Andrew's response to Robert when he cries out that the situation is damnable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Robert's disappointment in Andrew's lack of description about his sea voyages. What kind of details does Robert want to know about his travels? How does Andrew fail to provide that information?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play, Andrew is held up as an example of a good farmer. Discuss the other character's view of him as the person who will turn the farm around. Does he succeed in fulfilling these expectations? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the brothers' viewpoints about the sea voyage at the beginning of the play. Whose view is more practical? What do you think of Robert's reasons for going? Explain your viewpoint.

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