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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. Who is Castalia?

2. As a school girl, what topic does Lucy choose to write on regarding the Civil War?

3. What does Ned's mother do when Will tells her about Ned's death?

4. Will and Lucy stay at a hotel near _____________ on their honeymoon.

5. Who does Will run into at the hotel on his wedding night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Even though Lucy is younger than Will, how does she view him regarding his emotional war wounds?

2. What role do soap operas play in the nursing home where Lucy lives now?

3. Why does Lucy allow Will to tell his war stories to the children in spite of her objection to them?

4. What is the initial relationship between Lucy and Castalia (Cassie)?

5. Who was Ned Smythe and what was his role in Willie's life?

6. How did the slaves treat Lady Marsden after she was burned in the fire at The Lilacs?

7. Who was Lady Marsden and what were some of the things she was noted for?

8. How does Ned's mother react when Will visits her to talk about Ned's death?

9. Why does Will terminate Cassie?

10. How old was Willie when he became a soldier and how did the war affect him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of loss.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Will Marsden. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him during his lifetime?

Essay Topic 3

Gurganus is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

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