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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. How far is Burden's Landing from Mason City?

2. Where does Annabelle take Phebe to be sold?

3. In what year does Willie first run for governor?

4. What does Cass learn from Gilbert?

5. How many husbands has Mrs. Burden had?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jack recall about his childhood at the beginning of Chapter 3?

2. What negative trait of Willie's is verified by Willie's behavior in the White impeachment scandal?

3. How is Willie's physical presence described by the author?

4. What is the author's purpose for beginning the novel in the way he does?

5. What are the circumstances surrounding Willie's loss at reelection for the county treasurer job?

6. Explain how the novel ends on a small glimmer of hope.

7. Explain the actions in Chapter 9 which create not only the climax of the novel but also the classic theme of good vs. evil.

8. How does the author begin the story in the present time of 1936?

9. What startling fact is revealed to Jack when he goes home to see if Judge Irwin will use his influence with MacMurfree?

10. What is Willie's second plan of action when he cannot get to the Fryes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which of Willy's transgressions is his worst? Marital infidelity? Blackmail? Lack of ethics? Which of his transgressions serves him well? Which one will ultimately result in his death?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the author's use of local color particularly regarding speech and dialogue. How can you tell the differences in the characters backgrounds and experiences by the way they speak? Do you think Willie's colorful speaking style is exaggerated or is it realistic?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Willie Stark. Be sure to include his personality and behaviors as well as his physicality? What drives Willie as a young man? How does Willie change as he grows older?

(see the answer keys)

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