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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. Why does the Ward family have to move from Boise into the canyon?

2. What happens to Pricey?

3. What is the next mining job for Oliver?

4. Who is Emelita?

5. Susan says the trip to Mexico was to her, like a trip to two Old World cities - which ones?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the theme of this chapter?

2. Why doesn't Susan leave with Frank?

3. How has the Wards' life changed, and how has it stayed the same?

4. What is the tone of Susan's letter to Augusta in this chapter?

5. How does this chapter highlight the dangers of the West, and how does the author foreshadow the end of happy times for the Wards?

6. Why is the job offer from US Geological Survey a mixed blessing?

7. How does Oliver disappoint Susan and embarrass her to her family and friends?

8. How does this chapter highlight the differences in approach to life by Oliver and Susan?

9. Why does the author end the story with Lyman's thoughts?

10. What is Susan's attitude about Idaho?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role did Shelley Rasmussen play in the plot movement in this novel? How did she compare with Susan Ward in Lyman's eyes? How did the author use Shelley to explain Lyman's character?

Essay Topic 2

How does the author expound on his theme of the importance of choosing the right spouse, or how the choice of a marriage partner rules our life?

Essay Topic 3

What are Susan's qualities that make her a strong western woman? Give examples of each quality.

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