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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. What criticism does Shelley offer about Lyman's writing?

2. When Susan returns home to Milton to spend the winter and get Ollie, what project does she begin?

3. Oliver has news for Susan when he returns to Santa Cruz - what is it?

4. What was Susan's overall impression of the mine workers?

5. What is a recurring plot device used by the author?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is life harmonious and happy for the Wards in Leadville?

2. What does Lyman hope to accomplish during the writing about his grandparents' lives?

3. Why is Lyman resistant to Shelley's writing suggestions?

4. What is Susan's state of mind in this chapter?

5. How is the trip from Denver to Leadville symbolic of the Wards' marriage?

6. What attracted Susan to Oliver?

7. Why is Oliver unsuccessful in his attempts to market his invention?

8. How is Lyman's situation similar to that of Oliver?

9. Why was it so unusual for Susan to enter the mine at New Almaden?

10. Explain how Susan and Oliver reach a certain angle of repose while living in New Almaden?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is life today different from the life described by the author for Susan and Oliver Ward? How do you think their lives would have been different if they had been married in 2008 instead of the 1800's?

Essay Topic 2

Susan was influenced by many people in her life. Choose one to write on, using the interaction between Susan and that person, and the extent of the influence:

1) Augusta

2) Thomas

3) Oliver

4) Frank

Essay Topic 3

Compare the characters of Susan and Oliver. List traits, character deficiencies, methods for dealing with adversity, outlook on life, love and their goals and dreams. How do they mesh and how do they clash?

(see the answer keys)

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