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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. Since giving birth to Bethan six years ago, how many children has Bryn lost before birth?

2. What is a selkie?

3. For how many years does Clare train with Einar before she climbs out?

4. What is the most severe injury Claire receives as a result of the bird attack?

5. How many sit-ups does Einar tell Claire to do every day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Claire decide to do in order to regain her lost memories?

2. Though Alys is childless herself, what experience does she have that qualifies her for the care of Claire upon Claire's arrival in the village?

3. What is the reason for Bryn's falling into despair and how does Alys try to help?

4. Why do Bethan, Delwyth, and Eira stop playing a pretend game involving babies and instead switch to playing tea party?

5. For what element does Trademaster agree to trade Claire's son and what is the immediate result of the trade?

6. What does Einar name as his primary strategy in surviving the abuse at his father's hand?

7. What does Einar say about Claire's stated motivation for climbing out?

8. What is Trademaster's attitude toward Claire's longing for her son?

9. What is the significance of Claire's outburst after Bryn gives birth to a healthy baby girl?

10. What elements of the job of fisherman make it dangerous for villagers who undertake the position?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel Son is littered with the use of sensory details, particularly after Claire's arrival in the village after fleeing from the community in which she was born. Discuss the author's purpose in including the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations associated with Claire's new life in the village.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the themes of secrecy and control are interwoven within Lois Lowry's novel Son.

Essay Topic 3

Few characters within the novel have particularly strong relationships with members of their biological families and by omitting key relationships with inherent biological ties, the author can redefine the notion of family within the narrative. Choose three relationships within the novel that demonstrate familial bonds, describe the circumstances surrounding these bonds, and discuss how these relationships fuel the author's message about the definition of family.

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This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample