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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 takes Ned for his blind training classes?

2. Unison's father and three brothers were all killed in the span of ________________.

3. How does Will greet Lucy when she arrives at the hospital?

4. How has Will become famous in the area?

5. From what does Lucy and Cap's youngest child die?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Maimie L. Beech?

2. How does the author use foreshadowing regarding Ned in this section?

3. What are the circumstances of the death of Lucy and Will's baby, Archie?

4. How does Will behave when he returns home after Ned's accident?

5. Describe Lucy and Will's separation after Ned's accident.

6. What is significant about the diamond ring that Baby swallowed?

7. What lie does Ned tell his mother and what did he actually do?

8. Why does Maimie decide to kill herself?

9. How do Lucy's children feel about Cassie in their lives?

10. What role does Will have in the annual parade of the Daughters of the Confederacy in Raleigh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of the passage of time will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Gurganus' writing style. How is he different from other writers of his time? What are some of his characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of his classic style in OLDEST LIVING CONFEDERATE WIDOW TELLS ALL.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of struggle. Identify at least two instances about struggle in the story and then cite examples to support your answers.

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This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample