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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. There is trouble in Leadville with Oliver's claim. What has happened?

2. Why is progress stopped in the Argentina mine?

3. What happens to Ollie in this chapter?

4. Who is Clarence King?

5. Who is Lizzie?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways in this chapter does the author remind the reader of Susan's issues?

2. Why is Lyman so uncomfortable around Shelley?

3. How does Susan present her New Almaden life to Augusta in their correspondence?

4. What makes Lyman wonder about his grandmother's sexual preferences?

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

6. How are the 24 canaries sent to Shelley like the elk head sent to Susan?

7. How is Susan's transformation into a western woman exemplified in this chapter?

8. How is Shelley's problem with her husband similar to Susan's problems with Oliver?

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

10. Why are Shelley's problems critical to the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Could Susan have been a mining engineer? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What qualities did Susan admire in Augusta that she herself did not have? How did Susan shape her life to be more like Augusta's life? What did Augusta have that Susan wanted?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample