View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the author call this period a blissful time for his grandmother?

2. Who is Pricey?

3. What does Susan tell Mrs. Elliott that shocks the older woman?

4. What reason does Augusta give Susan for disliking Oliver?

5. Why doesn't Ollie come with Susan to Leadville?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Susan's attitude towards her marriage and new life in this chapter?

3. How are the scenes in this chapter different from all the ones before and after as far as the marriage between Oliver and Susan?

4. Why did Oliver resign from the New Almaden Mine?

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

6. Why is Lyman so uncomfortable around Shelley?

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

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

9. What is Susan's attitude about her one-room shack in Leadville?

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

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

How does this author use symbolism in the novel? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Why is Lyman intent on staying independent?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 754 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample