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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. How many coats does Stephen have?

2. What promise does Dencey say she cannot keep?

3. Why do the townspeople now think that Dencey is a good girl?

4. Who agrees to take Sammie on as a cabin boy?

5. What complicates the search for Dencey?

Short Essay Questions

1. What could be driving Injun Jill's behavior regarding Sammie?

2. How does Sammie's behavior change once he passes up the chance to kiss Dencey at the corn husking contest?

3. Who is Aunt Lovesta, and what is Dencey's relationship with her?

4. What is Dencey's punishment for not refusing to see Sammie again?

5. Explain what happens when Injun Jill discovers Sammie studying with Dencey again.

6. Why does the fire alarm ring in the morning, and why does Lydia hold Sammie responsible for the trouble?

7. What is Lydia's response when she finds that Dencey has been reading an inappropriate book?

8. How is Sammie able to finally get the education he desires?

9. What are Dencey's plans for the coat her Uncle Stephen is discarding?

10. Why does Sammie want to win the corn husking contest but is also afraid that he might win it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

DOWNRIGHT DENCEY is a classic coming-of-age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply DOWNRIGHT DENCEY. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of pride. Identify at least two instances about pride in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

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