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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. Why is David sad at the dinner table?

2. What does David hear Marie doing one day?

3. What does Gail think when she checks in on Marie after getting home?

4. What does David think when he sees his grandfather waiting on the porch?

5. What does David's grandfather give David to take on his ride?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does David reassure Marie about calling a doctor?

2. What happens when David goes over to the table where he spies his father and Ollie talking?

3. Why do Wesley and Frank believe Marie wants Gail in the room when Frank examines Marie?

4. How did Wesley come to be the Sheriff of Mercer County?

5. What does David want to ask his mother when the two are sent outside, and why does he not do so?

6. Why have Wesley and Gail not had more children?

7. What does Wesley begin investigating?

8. What does David think when he sees his grandfather on the porch as they drive up to the house?

9. What is disappointing to David about his father's position as sheriff of Mercer County?

10. Who is Marie Little Soldier and why does David like her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

David will come to believe that his uncle Frank is the entire problem. He needs to realize that his grandfather's attitude about Frank is a problem, too.

1. Discuss reasons you think David believes all the problems of the family is the fault of Frank. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the reasons that much of the dysfunction in the Hayden family originates from Julian. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the ways Julian could have changed the way he raised Frank that might have kept his son from being the adult he becomes? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

1. Who are the protagonist(s) of the story? Why are they considered to be protagonists? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

2. Who are the antagonists of the story? Why are they considered to be antagonists? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? If so, which characters? Justify your answer.

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

1. Identify the term "theme" as it pertains to a story.

2. Analyze one major theme of Montana 1948. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Analyze two secondary themes of Montana 1948. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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