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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. How many dogs are tied close by when Zech finds the marshtackie?

2. How long does the construction of the MacIvey's first primitive house in Florida take?

3. How many acres of orange trees does Tobias plant?

4. How does Tobias react to the news of the cows that have been lost?

5. What jungle do Tobias and Zech encounter on the way to the Seminoles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gift does Zech find in the pen, and how do the MacIveys choose to name their new animals?

2. How does Solomon feel about the way the city has changed as a result of the real estate projects?

3. How does Tobias learn about Punta Rassa?

4. What happens during the second time Tobias is recruited to work for the Confederates?

5. When do the MacIveys make their second trip to Punta Rassa, and how do they prepare for it?

6. What happens to Willie and James, and how does Tobias react?

7. What is the Cow Cavalry?

8. What does Tobias do as soon as he arrives home after speaking with Keith Tiger, and what happens when he and Zech encounter a bull?

9. What is the result of Tobias' work for the Confederates in the Cow Cavalry?

10. Why do Willie and James travel so far to get cows from Tobias, and what does he charge them for the cattle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The custard-apple forest represents a turning point for both Tobias and Zech.

1) Describe the role of the custard-apple forest when it is first introduced and how the timing of its introduction is significant.

2) Explain the changes that are going on in Tobias's life that are displayed by the time spent in the custard-apple forest. What changes is his life getting ready to take that he might not be prepared for?

3) Describe Zech's place in the MacIvey family and in the story when he becomes trapped in the custard-apple forest. What future conflict does it signify for him?

4) Explain what eventually happens to the custard-apple forest and how it relates to the main theme of the book.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the women in the book seem to have tragic, unforeseen deaths.

1) Describe how Emma dies and what the reaction of Tobias is along with the rest of the family. What did Emma represent for Tobias, and why is he having difficulty living without her?

2) Explain how Glenda dies and the author's possible reasons for ending the character this way. How did Glenda help Zech fit into the present and future? What does her death signal for him?

3) Describe how Bonnie dies and how her death continues the tragic theme that the author establishes throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the advice that Zech gives to Sol after Glenda dies. What are his reasons for the warning he gives Sol? Use the book as a reference to provide examples that explain why Zech looks at life the way he does at this point in the story. How does Sol follow his father's advice in his own life? Do you agree with the advice given by Zech? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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