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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. Where does Brother Thomas decide to take Jeff when he learns Jeff has not eaten?

2. Jeff saw fishing boats off in the distance, though to him they looked like ___________.

3. The boyfriend tells Jeff that Melody married the Professor because she was ______________.

4. Melody tells Jeff that Gambo has had ______________ and is very weak as a result.

5. Jeff realizes he can hear the joking between Thomas and the Professor and enjoy the conversation because of ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jeff see as he lingers a bit on more on the island before returning to Baltimore?

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

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

4. What does the heron seem to be saying to Jeff as Jeff notices it flying across the island?

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

6. What does Jeff do the first morning he is with his mom which ends up upsetting her?

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

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

9. What happens after the Professor offers to buy Jeff a new guitar if he wants one?

10. Why does Jeff feel disappointed about Gambo when he arrives to visit with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The truth is not always a pretty thing, as Jeff finds out when he finally confronts his mother.

Part 1: Why do you think people lie to the ones they love?

Part 2: Why do you think Melody does not want to tell Jeff the truth about her situation and her feelings toward him?

Part 3: Do you think Jeff should have told Melody the truth about his feelings? Why or why not?

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

The Professor is a complicated character as well, with hidden emotions and an inability to talk about what he feels at times.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor was given a name instead of being called 'Dad'?

Part 2: Why do you think it's difficult for the Professor to talk about his feelings?

Part 3: How do you think the Professor feels about Melody leaving him?

(see the answer keys)

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