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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 does Dencey know that she will continue to steal for Sammie?

2. Injun Jill's erratic behavior is affected by _____________________.

3. What does The Committee on Sufferings remove from the Coffyn house?

4. Why do Dencey and Sammie meet in Chapter 14?

5. What advice do Tom and Lydia give to Sammie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to Lovesta after her years of punishment?

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

3. After Sammie has watched the performance, why does Dencey think that Sammie's soul is in jeopardy, and why does she feel compelled to save him?

4. What is advertised on the poster tacked to a tree, and why is Aunt Susanna so appalled to find Dencey reading it?

5. What is Lovesta's punishment by the Committee for Sufferings for not allowing them to take Lydia's crimson rug from her home?

6. What does Sammie tell Dencey about a fight he has had with Injun Jill?

7. What does Dicky Dick tell Sammie about Injun Jill being his mother, and why does Sammie feel compelled not to stay too long?

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

9. What is Aunt Lovesta's advice for Dencey regarding her punishment? What must Dencey promise not to do again?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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