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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 comes to pick Jeff up, he is overwhelmed by her _____________, warmth and cheerfulness.

2. Jeff ends up ________________ on the beach, which leaves him feeling great.

3. ____________ used to tell Jeff that the Professor wasn't much of a father, which makes Jeff upset.

4. Where does Brother Thomas reveal he will be studying for the next year?

5. Melody tells Jeff she is going out of town to take pictures at a ___________ with her boyfriend for a week.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is the reason that Melody gives to Jeff for leaving him and the Professor?

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

7. Where does Jeff go before he leaves Charleston after staying with his mother?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The herons factor into the isolation that Jeff seems to feel. When he goes to see them, he sees what loneliness exists in the world.

Part 1: In what ways are the herons and Jeff alike? Why do you say this?

Part 2: In what ways are the herons and Jeff not alike (aside from their species)? Why do you say this?

Part 3: Why do you think Jeff is so drawn to the herons in this story?

Essay Topic 2

When Melody decides she wants custody of Jeff, he responds in a different way than he might have expected a few years earlier.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff reacts in the way he does when Melody decides she wants custody?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor acts in the way he does when Melody decides she wants custody?

Part 3: Why do you think Melody decides she wants custody of Jeff after all of these years?

Essay Topic 3

When the Professor gets a lot of money for his book, he realizes they can move to a fancy house. But he and Jeff decide not to do so.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor and Jeff decide to live in the isolated cabin?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor even suggested he and Jeff move to a bigger house?

Part 3: Why is the cabin setting a good environment for both the Professor and for Jeff?

(see the answer keys)

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