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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 begins to read all that he can about _____________ in order to feel close to Melody.

2. What kinds of guitars does Jeff confess to the professor that he would like to have?

3. Who had finally talked to Gambo about Jeff coming out of the summer since there had been no response otherwise?

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

5. Which animal impresses Jeff with its solitude as he looks out the window of the bus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Melody tell Jeff about the river in Charleston when they are out exploring the tow?

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

5. What does Jeff do when he goes to the island for one final time in Charleston?

6. What does Max tell Jeff about the relationship between Melody and the Professor?

7. What does Jeff do in order to feel healed and to feel at home once more?

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

9. What does Brother Thomas announce when he comes over for Christmas dinner?

10. What does Jeff do with the money he saves up from his weekly allowance he receives from his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Professor points out at one point that all families that are happy are happy in the same way, but those that are unhappy are unhappy in unique ways.

Part 1: Do you think families can ever be completely happy? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think unhappy families have unique experiences of being unhappy?

Part 3: Do you think the idea that families can be unhappy makes the unhappy family situation easier or harder? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Anger is an emotion which is often suppressed in the modern world. We are told anger is negative and that it only hurts people.

Part 1: What do you think about expressing anger? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Why?

Part 2: Why do you think Jeff is so hesitant to be angry with his mother?

Part 3: Why do you think Jeff feels so guilty after expressing his anger with this mother?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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