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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. In which city does Annie's father finally give up his dream and return home?

2. To which city does Annie's father dream of traveling to?

3. Which of the following men invented the stove in Philadelphia in 1753?

4. Which of the following instruments signals the evening news on the Dillard family radio?

5. Which of the following items does Annie find while digging in an alley near her home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Annie explore the skin of her parents?

2. How does Annie perform when she plays baseball with the boys?

3. What does Annie remember most about the destruction of her neighborhood from the tornado?

4. What is Oma's greatest desire for her family?

5. What jobs does Father have after he returns from his failed trip down the Mississippi?

6. How does Annie react to each of her sisters when they were born?

7. How do Annie's parents feel about jokes in the home?

8. What is Father's role in the film "Night of the Living Dead"?

9. What realizations about consciousness does Annie Dillard make while struggling with bouts of insomnia as a child?

10. What is Annie shocked to realize when she first attempts to draw her baseball mitt ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oma is a character who had deep impacts on Annie's life and her understanding of women. First, explain Annie's relationship to Oma as a child. Then, compare / contrast that to the relationship Annie had with Oma as a teenager. Why did Annie's relationship with Oma change so drastically, and what did Annie learn about the role of women through her relationship with Oma?

Essay Topic 2

Literature plays a large role in Annie's childhood. First, name at least two novels Annie was reading as a child and explain how the themes of these novels directly related to Annie's life. Do you think Annie's reading list as a ten-year-old child was age appropriate? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the memoir, Annie battles with the fact that she will never be as successful as the boys in her town. First, explain Annie's argument as to why the boys of Pittsburgh will grow up to be successful. Then, explain what Annie claims to be the fate of all young Pittsburgh girls. Finally, explain whether or not Annie met the future she foresaw for herself as a child.

(see the answer keys)

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