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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. In what year does Grace finish college?

2. Where do Abbie's children encourage her to move to when Grace finishes high school?

3. What does Margaret do to pass her time?

4. What is purchased for Isabelle in Chapter 23?

5. What kind of school does Abbie hear about in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, where does Abbie plan to go? Why does she postpone her trip?

2. What emotions does Abbie feel after the death of her son?

3. What happens in the Deals' lives in 1880?

4. What is Eloise Wentworth like?

5. How does John feel about running the farm?

6. What does Mack do when he is seventeen years old?

7. Why does John return to Cedartown? Who does he bring with him?

8. What happens when Will tells Abbie about a local teacher offering art lessons?

9. Why does Abbie sell off much of the Deal land in Chapter 25?

10. What does Abbie think of the results of her writing efforts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the historical context of the novel. What major events were taking place during the time period in which this novel is set? How do these real events affect the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the setting of the novel. In what way is the setting an important aspect of this story? How might Abbie's life have been different if she had not lived in the Mid-West during pioneering days?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the motif of motherhood. How does motherhood change Abbie? Is Abbie a good mother? Why or why not? How do Abbie's children impact her life?

(see the answer keys)

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