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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 Jim's grandfather bring home for him after visiting the Shimerdas on Christmas?

2. Why does Mrs. Harling disapprove of Tiny Soderball?

3. Who performs Mr. Shimerda's funeral service?

4. Who accompanies Jim on his train trip to Nebraska in Chapter 1?

5. What gift do Jim's grandparents give him when he comes to live with them?

Short Essay Questions

1. Retell the story Antonia shares with Jim and the Harlings about the tramp and the thresher

2. Describe the Shimerda family (as they are introduced in Chapter 3)

3. How do the Shimerdas react when the Burdens bring them supplies during the cold winter?

4. How does Antonia predict the winter will affect her family differently than Jim's?

5. Does Antonia attend school? Why or why not?

6. Retell the story about Lena being responsible for Antonia's feelings about the girl.

7. Describe Peter and Pavel

8. Why does Mrs. Shimerda ask Jim's grandfather to say a prayer during her husband's funeral?

9. What is a rattlesnake cane? What is its importance for the Burdens?

10. Why do the Shimerdas have difficulty getting Mr. Shimerda buried? Where is he ultimately interred?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes My Antonia explores is the relationship between humans and the land. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

The role that the land plays in the lives of the characters in this novel is integral to its plot and themes. Pick two of the novel's characters and compare and contrast:

1) their relationship with the land

2) how the relationship develops

3) how they chose to demonstrate feelings about the land.

Be sure to use specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes My Antonia explores is transformation or metamorphosis. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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