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

2. As Jeff was leaving the island, __________ did not watch him go.

3. ______________ tells Jeff to go away because he is making her tried.

4. For what faith is Brother Thomas a brother in his order?

5. The Professors invites Jeff to go to a ____________ with him and Brother Thomas.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Brother Thomas do when Jeff reveals he has not eaten dinner or breakfast?

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

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

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

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

8. What does the Professor give to Jeff for Christmas, which causes Jeff to cry?

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

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

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 complexity of the relationships in this story mirror so many other families in the world.

Part 1: Why do you think the adults in this story seem to have so many troubles with their relationships?

Part 2: Why do you think Jeff is put into the middle of the problems with his parents?

Part 3: Why do you think relationships are so difficult?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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