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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 has Injun Jill told about Dencey and Sammie's meetings for reading lessons?

2. How many coats does Stephen have?

3. Why is the person who fought with Sammie mad?

4. With whom has Sammie had a fight?

5. What does Lydia confront Dencey about in Chapter 23?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What does Dencey find when she takes a risk to go exploring in the attic?

10. What path has Sammie found for his future, and what feelings does Dencey have after he kisses her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Create a brief character study of Tom Coffyn.. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Caroline Dale Snedeker's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where she did.

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