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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. The Eppys like to have...

2. Who takes care of the noises in the wall?

3. On what side of the nest does Mr. Grouch sleep?

4. When Emma threatens to bring a rifle...

5. For Jerome, camping out proves to be...

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jerome consider taking a floorboard out?

2. Jerome tells Old Grouch that he dealt with sad people. What was so sad about Jerome's profession?

3. Looking back at this chapter, what stands out as ironic, given the outcome of the story?

4. When Jerome wakes up, the little fawn is hungry. What makes this passage humorous?

5. Why does Emma Lou, initially, want to pay a visit to Jerome?

6. What can we assume about Emma, based on her trip through the blackberry patch and her prized beany?

7. Something new about Emma Lou comes out in this chapter. Discuss the revelation.

8. Donald is spying on Jerome Kildee's house from the woods. What might this tell us about the time of history in which the book was written?

9. What is different now about Emma Lou's dinner invitation?

10. Although Jerome has given up stonecutting, his reaction to making Charmine's gravestone is interesting. Discuss what might be happening in this regard.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The dogs in this story are functional members of their owners' farms. They are not coddled or groomed, but perform work to earn their keep. Write an essay on the history of using dogs for hunting in earlier decades. What other jobs were performed by hounds and Dobermans? Compare them to the same breeds today, and discuss their function in today's household.

Essay Topic 2

There are many clues throughout the story that suggest that Donald Cabot comes from a wealthy family, including his dog who is of the "bluest blood." Do a careful reading and determine what kind of people the Cabots are, and what kind of kid Donald is. Is he spoiled and indulged? Does he take for granted his resources and his family's position? Prove your point with text.

Essay Topic 3

Is Jerome Kildee a poor man? If not, how does the reader know? Do a careful reading of the story and find passages that reveal hints about Jerome's financial status, and draw your conclusions in a persuasive essay.

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