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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 does Grandpa Amos talk to while driving?

2. Who stays in Colleton with Luke?

3. What position does Tom play in the game against North Charleston?

4. Why doesn't Savannah go to New York after graduation as she originally planned?

5. Tom wonders why Susan told him she thought her husband _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What plans do the Wingo children have after graduation?

2. What might the appearance of Snow symbolize?

3. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

4. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?

5. What admission does Susan make that startles Tom over dinner?

6. How could you characterize Luke's experiences in Vietnam?

7. What are the ramifications of the divorce proceedings?

8. What is happening to the relationship between Susan and Tom during Chapter Fifteen?

9. What does Tom suspect about Amos' Good Friday walk?

10. Why does Tom find the map on Reese Newbury's wall disconcerting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is one character in the novel who plays a very small but powerful role in the lives of the Wingos: the name known by the children as "Callanwolde." What do we know about this persona? What might he represent? What role does his presence play in the larger narrative?

Write an essay that explores this character and analyzes how he exemplifies the pain and trauma in the lives of the Wingo family. Be sure to make clear and specific references to the text as well as literary techniques (symbolism, imagery, figurative language, etc.) as you develop your response.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the dramatic irony of Dr. Lowenstein's personal circumstances while treating Savannah. How is her own marriage and family an ironic counterpoint to the narrative Tom is sharing with her about his family?

Essay Topic 3

A major idea in the novel is the concept of transformation. In fact, many of the characters in the novel undergo a transformation or reinvention throughout the course of the novel.

Choose ONE of the following characters and explore the details and significance of his or her transformation. Be sure to include specific and relevant evidence from the text as you develop your response.

A.) Tom.

B.) Savannah.

C.) Luke.

D.) Henry.

E.) Lila.

F.) Susan.

G.) Bernard.

(see the answer keys)

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