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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. To whom does Elsie compare Dick in Chapter 43?

2. What happens to Elsie on board the Spartina as she and Dick talk?

3. Who is the Vietnamese man that Parker brings on the trip?

4. What is the value of the books Miss Perry has given Dick's boys?

5. Who hails Dick from another boat?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Dick's conflicted feelings about Parker continue to exhibit in Chapter 44?

2. Explain the irony of Dick's new assertiveness with Parker.

3. What is the significance of Dick and Elsie spotting the blue canoe after the storm?

4. What mood does the author establish with the brevity of Chapter 47?

5. Describe the climax of the story as Dick's new boat is christened and launched.

6. What is the irony of the value of the books Miss Perry gave to Dick and his sons?

7. What does Dick tell Elsie that he expects May's reaction will be when he reveals his infidelity?

8. How does Elsie interpret Dick's comment that they are similar to Marie and Parker?

9. Why does Dick continue to feel instability on land, especially after discovering Marie having sex with Parker?

10. How does the strain of Dick's infidelity begin to weigh on his mind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Casey uses humor in the story to both entertain and convey character. Cite at least two examples which you find especially humorous.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Elsie. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

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