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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. Jeff sees himself as Melody's _____________, faithful no matter what.

2. What does Jeff stop doing because he realizes the Professor likes order and routine?

3. Who is waiting to pick up Jeff when he arrives back home from his visit with Melody?

4. Melody tells Jeff that _________________ have killed the crabs and the herons who used to live in the marshes.

5. What does Melody show to Jeff which shows just how excited he was to see her when he first arrived?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Melody tell Jeff when they are out on their walk together?

2. What does Jeff do when he feels like crying in order to avoid making a scene with his father?

3. Why are the two women at the house surprised to be introduced to Jeff by Melody?

4. What does Gambo remind Jeff of the next day at the breakfast table which makes Jeff feel uncomfortable?

5. What does Melody's new boyfriend, Max, refuse to let Jeff do when he is staying with them?

6. What does Jeff learn about the financial situation between Melody and the Professor?

7. Why does Jeff send Melody a beautiful scarf for Christmas the year after he visits her?

8. Why does Jeff make himself stop crying when he is reading the letter from his mother, Melody?

9. What does Jeff say when Brother Thomas asks Jeff if he will go back to visit Melody the next summer?

10. Why does Jeff feel that his schooling is a waste of time and a waste of money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout life, people make decisions based on the reactions of others. Jeff does this often in accordance to his parents and with whom he is living.

Part 1: Why does Jeff favor his mother at the starting point of this story?

Part 2: Why does Jeff change his mind about his mother at one point of the story?

Part 3: Which parent does Jeff seem to love more? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The introduction of Dicey seems to bring joy into Jeff's life, giving him a place to be comfortable and loved at the Tillerman home.

Part 1: Why do you think Dicey and Jeff get along so well?

Part 2: What do you think the relationship between Dicey and Jeff will turn out to be after the story ends? Why?

Part 3: Why does the Tillerman family take so well to Jeff?

Essay Topic 3

The title of the story is "A Solitary Blue," and while the imagery comes to life later in the story, there are more layers to this title's meaning.

Part 1: Why do you think this title was chosen for this story?

Part 2: In what ways do all of the characters experience solitude?

Part 3: Why is solitude an important motif in this story? What does it say about relationships?

(see the answer keys)

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