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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 is the name the Hall children now use for Ann?

2. What does Catherine vow not to call Ann?

3. What news does Mr. Hall bring on his return?

4. Where will Mr. Holt and Aunt Lucy live after their marriage?

5. What time of year is it when Chapter 10 begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author use foreshadowing related to Catherine's comments about quilts?

2. How do the Shipman and Hall families hold up in the aftermath of Cassie's death?

3. How does the author use foreshadowing related to Cassie getting cold after swimming?

4. Explain why spring is a metaphor for the new dynamics of the Hall family.

5. What is the symbolism of the blue bonnet that Catherine wears in Chapter 18?

6. Describe the story of the rock slide that killed the Wiley family and the moral that can be told from it.

7. Describe how the boys in the class revolt against the new teacher's severe punishment measures.

8. What name does Catherine feel comfortable calling Ann?

9. What is the irony related to judging in the church?

10. How does Cassie help Catherine get a new perspective on Ann's arrival?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Catherine, Mr. Hall and Ann. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 2

A GATHERING OF DAYS is a classic coming of age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of girls and women in the 1830s in New England. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

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