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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. As Joan let sand flow through her fingers in Chapter 15, Wild and Salty, what did the sand symbolize to her?

2. What action made the clams spit, i.e. make holes in the sand that revealed where they were?

3. In Chapter 15, Wild and Salty, what did Joan tell Joan Erikson she would miss if she reunited with her husband?

4. What did Joan cook for Memorial Day dinner?

5. In Chapter 11, Ebb and Flow, what forced Joan to end her solitude?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 12, Low Tide, how did reflecting upon the women in her family inspire Joan?

2. How did Joshua Cahoon help Joan learn clamming?

3. How did Joan's acceptance of her body change in Chapter 15, Wild and Salty?

4. What evidence was there in Chapter 16, Port of Call, that Joan had grown during her year in Cape Cod?

5. In Chapter 15, Wild and Salty, how did Joan feel about letting her husband move back in with her after he retired and where did she go to think over the prospect?

6. How did Joan initially feel about letting people into her home, and how did she feel about having guests at the end of Chapter 11, Ebb and Flow?

7. What truths about her life were revealed to Joan during her trip to the seal island in Chapter 15, Wild and Salty?

8. What did Joan Anderson expect to learn from the psychoanalyst, and what did Joan Erikson tell her when she didn't learn what she expected?

9. How did a sign in front of the Methodist Church make Joan reflect upon her marriage?

10. Why did Joan's nephew send guests to stay with Joan, and how did Joan feel about being part of her nephew's project?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how holidays affected Joan in the book. Did her feelings about holidays change during her year by the sea? In what ways do holidays illustrate Joan's feelings about the traditional role of women in society? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Joan Anderson's use of figurative language in "A Year by the Sea" as well as her other narrative techniques. Cite examples from the text to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the changes and growth in Joan's husband during his wife's year at Cape Cod. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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