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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 is the conclusion of the discussion between Oliver and Susan in Mexico?

2. How long does Ollie stay away from his family after leaving Boise to attend St. Paul's in 1890?

3. After several years of waiting for financial backers, what happens to Frank and Wiley?

4. What happened to Agnes?

5. Where does Susan send Ollie for his education?

Short Essay Questions

1. In this chapter, Lyman describes some of the resources he uses to recreate the life of his Grandmother Susan Ward. Describe them.

2. What is Susan's impression of Mexico?

3. Susan and Oliver separate as he takes the surveying job and she moves the family to Victoria BC - how does part of the Wards' life compare with Lyman's own personal history?

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

5. What is Susan's attitude about Idaho?

6. How do Lyman's deepest feelings come out in his dream?

7. What is the theme of this chapter?

8. Oliver and Susan are in serious disagreement when he comes to New York - why?

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

10. Why did Susan send Ollie away?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the themes of this novel, and did the author express them well?

Essay Topic 2

How does Oliver exemplify a pioneer spirit? How does Susan?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the Ward children in detail: physical description, place of birth, temperament, and use their words to show their personalities.

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