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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 name of the lover whom the narrator has just left?

2. What does Codi notice about the fruit trees?

3. Where is Homer's family from originally?

4. How old are Codi and Hallie at the beginning of the story?

5. Where have Codi and Hallie been playing in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What decision does Homer make while watching Codi and Hallie sleep?

2. In his Chapter 10 flashback, how does Homer feel about Codi's situation?

3. What happened to Codi when she was fifteen?

4. What does Codi realize during Hallie's funeral?

5. What about Codi confuses her father when she confronts him about the tombstone in Chapter 15?

6. How does Codi become a small-town heroine in Chapter 11?

7. What has happened to the Apaches since gold was found in Grace?

8. Describe the scene when Codi lost her baby.

9. Who are the Nolinas?

10. What triggers Codi's classroom tirade in Chapter 21?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kingsolver employs a variety of literary devices in the novel---foreshadowing, symbolism, and so forth. Choose one of these devices, and explore its usage and effectiveness throughout the novel. Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Codi and Hallie. What are the major differences in the way they live their lives? What are some of their similarities? What factors are similar, or different, about their attitudes toward their common experiences? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the theme of death in the novel and how it relates to the development of Codi's character. How is each death that she experiences a turning point for Codi? In what ways does she change and grow because of each loss? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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