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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. When did the Clarice Monroe sink?

2. Who is the author of "Stern Men"?

3. What does Ebbett wait for in the prologue?

4. Where does Cal make arrangements for Ruth to go at the beginning of Chapter 5?

5. Why does Simon tell Rhonda not to sell her husband's boat and gear?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Simon and Ruth talk about as they watch Webster in Chapter 2?

2. Who is Mary? What does the reader learn of Mary's past in Chapter 4?

3. How are Fort Niles and Courne Haven islands alike?

4. Why does Ruth go in to see Lanford alone in Chapter 3? How does he greet her?

5. What does Ruth think of Vera?

6. What does Ruth do after graduation?

7. What do Simon and Webster look for at Potter Beach in Chapter 2 and why?

8. How are the men on the islands described?

9. What does Simon tell Rhonda not to do in Chapter 1? Why does he give her this advice?

10. Who dies in Chapter 1? How does this death impact the other characters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Ruth's dreams and why she desires them. What is the connection between Ruth's dreams and ambitions and the setting of the novel? What obstacles might have prevented Ruth from achieving her dreams?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of the woman on the islands? As a woman, what do Ruth's parents expect of her? How do Ruth's ambitions clash with the social expectations placed upon her?

Essay Topic 3

What is a coming of age story? Is "Stern Men" a coming of age story? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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