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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 incident in Jack Boughton's life does John recount that happened while Jack was still in college?

2. What does John state is one of the best traits of good people?

3. As a boy, what did Jack do to the John's mailbox?

4. What object do John's son and Tobias "chuck pebbles" at?

5. What river did John and Glory see Jack's daughter playing in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are John's thoughts on "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine"?

2. How does John describe the responsibility that comes from encountering another person?

3. Describe Della's family situation.

4. How does John explain the futility of defending beliefs?

5. What is the nature of the discussion John and Jack have about predestination?

6. What does John recall about how his grandfather was invited to speak at a town picnic?

7. How does John recall Jack's baptism?

8. What is the nature of the conversation John and Boughton have while Lila, their son, and Glory have gone to the movies?

9. What are two memories of pranks that John and Boughton share on Boughton's porch?

10. What is John's response to the possibility that there may be something approaching love between Lila and Jack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John seems to harbor some resentment to the fact that he is Jack Boughton's namesake. Discuss why this is the case, how this resentment manifests itself, and how he deals with the responsibility of helping forge Jack's character.

Essay Topic 2

"Gilead" has a structure like few other novels. Discuss why Robinson chose to not use chapters or other obvious breaks, how this adds or takes away from an understanding of the book, and how such a narrative propels the plot. Consider: Could "Gilead" have been improved by the inclusion of chapter breaks or other demarcations?

Essay Topic 3

John's grandfather's personal belongings - specifically, the gun and the two shirts - can be considered potent symbols. Discuss what these items might be symbolic of, how other family members respond to them. Consider especially John's mother and father's response.

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