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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. In Chapter Five, what job is given to the Wingo children when they go to live with Papa John?

2. Tom's story is set against the backdrop of which war?

3. How does Tom characterize himself in relation to the other Wingo children?

4. Which of the following events does NOT transpire when Tom visits Savannah's apartment?

5. Why do Tom and Luke travel to New York City?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of family does the Prologue portray?

2. How does the phone call contrast with the idyllic opening of Chapter 1?

3. Why does Henry covert to Catholicism?

4. What does the story of Lila's quest to win the Colleton League cookbook contest reveal about her character?

5. How does Tom explain the recording of Savannah's psychotic seizure?

6. What does Luke pray for before his father leaves for Korea?

7. How does the scene in the funeral parlor contrast with the rest of the Wingo childhood?

8. Why doesn't Lila want the children to tell their father about the man called "Callanwolde"?

9. Who is the Prince of Tides?

10. How would you describe Lila Wingo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Animals and nature have a special significance and meaning in the novel. Choose one of the following animals and discuss its significance throughout the novel. Be sure to discuss any possible symbolism or figurative meaning this animal might hold in the text; i.e. its representation of a larger idea or its relevance to one or more of the characters.

A.) Caesar, the tiger.

B.) Papa John's Black widow spiders.

C.) Snow, the albino porpoise.

Essay Topic 2

A major motif throughout the novel is the pattern of hiding. Many of the characters are consciously or unconsciously hiding something about themselves, about their pasts, or about their family. As the novel progresses, each of these characters is given the opportunity to reveal the truth that he or she has been hiding or to conceal it further.

Choose ONE of the following characters and discuss how he or she participates in this motif. What is the character hiding? Is the concealment intentional or accidental? Does the character ever reveal this truth? What are the ramifications of the character's decision to disclose the secret or continue hiding it?

A.) Tom.

B.) Lila.

C.) Henry.

D.) Savannah.

E.) Bernard.

F.) Susan.

G.) Luke.

Essay Topic 3

A theme and concern among many Southern writers is the collapse of the "Old South." William Faulkner, for example, dealt with this issue numerous times in his novels and short stories. Pat Conroy also seems to be making a statement about the South and its destruction through the traumatic events of the Wingo children.

Write a thematic essay in which you trace Conroy's treatment of the South and its collapse throughout the novel. Some questions to consider are: What seems to be the author's view of the South? How does he represent the South throughout his narrative? Does the end of the novel seem indicative of a resurrection of the Old South or are the traditions and ways of the past lost forever in the wake of progress and development?

(see the answer keys)

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