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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. When Melody does arrive at the airport, he is immediately stunned by her ____________ once more.

2. What does Jeff's father give to Jeff for Christmas which is a touching gift to receive?

3. It seems to Jeff that the object flying across the island is saying ______________.

4. Who pays for the lunch that Melody and Jeff share in a nice restaurant in town?

5. Who is Jeff's doctor that the Professor needs to call when Jeff becomes very ill?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Professor do when he reads the note that was left for him from Melody?

2. What is happening at the house where Melody says that she and Jeff need to stop?

3. Who is waiting for Jeff at the train station when he arrives back home?

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

5. What does Melody say when Jeff tells her that he gets only Bs and Cs in school?

6. What does Jeff, a second grader, find when he arrives home from school one early March day?

7. What are Jeff's first reactions to his mother when he sees her arrive at the airport in Charleston?

8. What did Jeff bring back from Charleston for Brother Thomas to enjoy?

9. What is the picture Melody painted once that made Jeff wake up worried during the night?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jeff is a character who is eager to please his parents, no matter what they might do to him.

Part 1: Why does Jeff feel he always needs to please his parents?

Part 2: Do you think Jeff should always try to make his parents happy? Why or why not?

Part 3: What is the importance of Jeff's efforts to please his parents?

Essay Topic 2

In the end, Jeff realizes his mother never did understand the idea of value, though he realizes he can - and does.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff's mother was so focused on money?

Part 2: Why do you think Melody is as damaged as she is in this story?

Part 3: Do you think there is any hope for Melody to become a supportive parent for Jeff? Why or why not?

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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