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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 Hattie see with Leafie?

2. Why has Hattie been taking her mattress outside at night at home?

3. Who is Charlotte?

4. Where was Charlie's friend standing when the man was killed?

5. What does Hattie realize when she has been back home for a couple days?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hattie think about after witnessing events at the Ren homestead?

2. How does Elmer Junior intervene for his father and what is the result?

3. Why does Traft say about the fire in Hattie's barn when he comes by to see her after the July 4th picnic?

4. How does Hattie learn about birthing babies the hard way?

5. How does Hattie have to go into more debt because of the savings stamp drive?

6. What happens when Hattie voices her concern about a pledge of one hundred dollars?

7. What epidemic strikes the area where Hattie lives and what does Leafie do?

8. How does Rooster Jim end up on top of a hay bale?

9. What happens to Hattie that Traft helps her?

10. What do Rooster Jim and Hattie say about how the war is costing them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Hattie Big Sky". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Hattie Big Sky". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Hattie Big Sky". Consider not only the physical deaths but the death of innocence or the death of ignorance.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Kirby Larson.

2. What in Kirby Larson's background may have helped her in writing "Hattie Big Sky"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Hattie Big Sky" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Hattie Big Sky"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Hattie Big Sky" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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