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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. By what name does Mattie refer to Aunt Josie’s husband in the narrative?

2. What movement is the writer Emily Baxter associated with in the novel?

3. What is the name of the string of eight lakes that are featured in Mattie’s hometown in the novel?

4. Mattie needs money for what expenses in order to attend college in the novel?

5. Where does Weaver Smith hope to move to attend college?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exchange takes place between Pa and Miss Wilcox in Chapter 12? What repercussions does this have for Mattie?

2. What conflicts regarding the expected roles of women are introduced in Chapter 1?

3. How is the character of Grace Brown depicted in the novel? What is the historical truth of this character?

4. How is Mattie’s father described in the novel? What are his principle concerns in the beginning of the story?

5. How is the narrative of A Northern Light structured? What are the two timelines that occur in the story?

6. How is the theme of identity explored through the characters of Mattie, Weaver, and Minnie in Chapter 9?

7. How is the character of Weaver Smith described when he is introduced in Chapter 2?

8. How is the character of Lawton Gokey described in the novel? How have Lawton’s actions influenced Mattie’s situation?

9. How is Uncle Fifty’s character described when he arrives in Chapter 11?

10. What promise does Uncle Fifty make to Mattie after he arrives? What gifts does he give to the Gokey children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrative of A Northern Light rotates between two different timelines. Discuss the linear structure of the plot and the author’s reasons for developing the plot in this way. How do the events in the two timelines relate to one another? How does the author develop tension using this narrative style?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss Mattie’s ambitions as a writer. Who are Mattie’s favorite authors? What does she want to write novels about? How realistic are her ambitions as a young woman during this time period?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the theme of social oppression in the novel as seen through the characters of Minnie, Weaver, and Mattie. In what ways are each of these characters limited in their power due to societal expectations of their race, gender, economic situation, or other uncontrollable factors?

(see the answer keys)

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