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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 encouraged Mr. Tanner to take Robert to the fair?

2. What does Robert spend his dime on?

3. What does Papa tell Robert that desecrate a grave means?

4. What does Robert do at the death of Pinky?

5. How does Pinky behave in the show ring?

Short Essay Questions

1. What have been Robert's experiences with Widow Bascom?

2. How does Papa react to Robert's maturity over giving up Pinky for the welfare of the family?

3. What does it mean to "weasel" a dog?

4. What phrase of Papa's is Robert mindful of as he rides with Mr. Tanner?

5. What is the scenario of Robert's return from the fair?

6. What is Robert's reaction to the weaseling?

7. Why does Mama send Robert out to hunt for a gray squirrel?

8. What happens when Papa, Robert and Mr. Hillman leave the cemetery?

9. Why does the family not have enough food to eat for the winter?

10. How does Chapter 8 demonstrate the tolerance of the people in the Shaker religion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The reader is introduced to some Shaker folklore in Chapter 2 while the family is tending to Robert's wounds sustained while helping the cow. Cite at least three examples of Shaker folklore in the book and note why you selected these examples as representative of the Shaker culture.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Robert's reasons for running out of school in Chapter 1. Why is he offended when a classmate teases him about his plain clothes? What is the overall picture of Robert's frustration and anger?

Essay Topic 3

When Robert is denied the opportunity to watch Abner Doubleday, the reputed father of baseball, his exclusion from the outside world becomes very clear. Explain why Robert is denied the chance to go to the game. Why is the game counter to what Papa thinks is good for Robert?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 997 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample