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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. Where does Mr. Hall go to trade wares and make purchases?

2. Who helps the Shipman family after Cassie's death?

3. Catherine's memories of her mother and brother's deaths is called ________________.

4. What ailment does Cassie develop?

5. What is in the package that Catherine receives?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What name does Catherine feel comfortable calling Ann?

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

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

8. How does the theme of trust extend to Mr. Hall and Ann?

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

10. What are the circumstances that precipitate Catherine's leaving home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 978 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample