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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. Who does Bethia welcome herself?

2. When did Anne's parents die?

3. Why does Bethia take on a position as housekeeper in another college?

4. About what is Makepeace jealous?

5. With whom does Bethia talk about Samuel and Noah?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe a little about Anne's life.

2. What does Bethia say about her marriage to Samuel and their trip to Italy?

3. Why has Noah Merry come to Cambridge and what news does he bring?

4. What is the time frame when Chapter 1 of this section opens and why is Bethia writing again?

5. Describe the argument Bethia and Makepeace become embroiled in one day at the memorial for their father.

6. What is Smauel Corlett like?

7. What does Mayfield's will say about further schooling for Joel, Caleb and Makepeace and how does that affect Bethia?

8. What does Samuel confess to Bethia?

9. Why do Caleb, Joel and Bethia believe they need to get Ann to the island?

10. What are a couple things Bethia does during her first days at the school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Caleb's Crossing.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Caleb's Crossing. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Caleb's Crossing. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Caleb's Crossing help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Caleb's Crossing? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Caleb's Crossing to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Caleb's Crossing. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Brooks's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Brooks use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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