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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mattie hand to Taylor before she begins her trip with Esteban and Esperanza in Chapter 13?

2. What did Edna Poppy his the "bad man" with?

3. What does Esteban use before engaging in a dance while on a trip with Esperanza, Taylor and Mattie?

4. What does Taylor realize about Edna in Chapter 10?

5. What happened to Scotty?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of gardening is mentioned throughout the entire novel. The idea of growing seems to be important to the author. Why do you think that is? Why use a garden as a means of explaining the way in which things grow? How do you view growth in relation to the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel Taylor's perception of men is ambiguous. They do not seem to be an important part in her life. The novel's character list also consists mainly of women. It is not until Esteban is introduced that the reader meets a good man. After meeting Esteban, Taylor's ideas about men change. How do they change? What do you think the author is trying to suggest by her placement of men within the novel? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Mattie is a strong older woman who appears to be very wise. Kingsolver uses Mattie as a vessel to project socio-political ideals. Do you believe that Mattie is a surrogate for Kingsolver? Why or why not?

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