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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 John state has been in Gilead, in addition to saints and martyrs?

2. What trait does Jack possess that John states is almost a curse to him?

3. What job was Jack holding when his wife became pregnant?

4. How does John spend the whole night after overhearing the conversation between Lila and Jack?

5. According to John, what does light seem to be a metaphor for?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What moves John to tears during his conversation at the church with Jack?

3. How does John attempt to love Jack?

4. How does John recall Boughton's parents?

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

6. How does John respond to Jack's question about his family moving to Gilead?

7. What does Jack share with John that acts as a prelude to the novel's climax? Share some details about the specifics of Jack's revelation.

8. Describe the relationship Jack had with a lower-class, uneducated girl.

9. What is the content of the conversation that Jack and Lila have as John feigns being asleep?

10. Describe John's birthday.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

C. S. Lewis wrote a partial autobiography, "Surprised by Joy," in 1955. This same concept, of being surprised by feelings of joy, elation, or even peace, is a common thread in "Gilead." Describe evidences in John's life that show that many times he was "surprised by joy," and how this gives understanding into both his character and how he responds to various situations in the book.

Essay Topic 2

The constant referral to the relationship between fathers and sons permeates "Gilead." Consider these relationships: John's relationship to his own son; John's relationship to his father; John's father's relationship to his own father; and Tobias' relationship, however sketchy, to his father. Discuss each one of these relationships, looking for common traits, differing traits, and how each relationship contributes to the overall mosaic of the story.

Essay Topic 3

John's wife and son remained unnamed for the majority of the book. His wife's name is heard only from the mouth of Jack Boughton late in the novel. Discuss why Robinson chose not to reveal these names, taking into consideration John's relationship with his immediate family and how he views the two in his own life.

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