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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 is Grandma Dowdel's character described physically in A Long Way from Chicago?

2. Whose framed picture hangs on the wall of the Coffee Pot Cafe in "The Phantom Brakeman"?

3. What movie theater was John Dillinger leaving when he was killed?

4. What kind of dancing lessons has Mary Alice been taking in "Centennial Summer"?

5. What kind of game are the boys playing on the train in "The Troop Train"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the sign say that greets Joey and Mary Alice when they arrive at Grandma's town in “Centennial Summer"?

2. How has Grandma Dowdel's demeanor changed in the beginning of “Things with Wings"? Why?

3. Where does Grandma take Joey and Mary Alice to see a movie in “Things with Wings"? What do they see?

4. What car is sitting outside of Veech's Gas and Oil in “Things with Wings"? How does Joey describe the car?

5. What exchange takes place the first time Miz Eubanks comes to Grandma Dowdel's house in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

6. What is implied by the conversation between Joey and Grandma at the end of “The Phantom Brakeman”?

7. How would you describe the style of language and dialogue in A Long Way from Chicago?

8. What is the ghost story that Grandma Dowdel relates in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

9. What fight breaks out during the parade in “Centennial Summer"? How is the fight resolved?

10. Why does Joey ask Grandma Dowdel for two dollars in “Things with Wings"? What is Grandma's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Grandma Dowdel and Idella Eubanks in the stories. How are these women similar? How do they differ? What conflicts arise between Grandma Dowdel and Idella Eubanks? How are the conflicts resolved?

Essay Topic 2

Why has Effie Wilcox left on the train in the beginning of “Things with Wings"? What actions does Grandma Dowdel take in the story to bring Effie Back? Why does she want to bring Effie back to town?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the setting of “Shotgun Cheatham’s Last Night above Ground.” In what year does this story take place? How would you describe the mood and atmosphere established through the setting in the story? Where does Grandma Dowdel live?

(see the answer keys)

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