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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. What does Robert find when he arrives home?

2. What does a trail of dust left by a wagon remind Robert of?

3. What does Robert feed his piglet?

4. What is Robert's father pleased about?

5. What do Robert's mother and aunt think is unusual about Robert's piglet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the irony of the rough blanket for Robert?

2. Explain why even though Papa has no formal education, he is still well aware of his worth.

3. What event in town is Robert prohibited from attending due to Shaker law?

4. Why is Robert not offended by the stench of animal slaughtering on his father?

5. What is humorous about Robert's interpretation of his aunt's proposal of tutoring?

6. Describe Robert's appreciation for his simple meal of succotash and milk.

7. Explain Robert's observations about a hawk flying overhead.

8. Describe the scenario of Robert and Pinky wandering in the countryside after church.

9. Describe how Robert appreciates the beauty of nature in Chapter 7.

10. What is the metaphor Robert sees in the dust trail left by a wagon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Robert begins to show signs of maturity as the story evolves. Cite at least three examples that show that Robert is growing up and note why you selected the examples.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the day that Papa dies. How does Robert assimilate his father's role literally and figuratively? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Papa's evolving relationship with Robert. How does he gently guide him into becoming a man and being able to take over the farm?

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