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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 items particularly delight Woodrow from the shopping trip?

2. What is notable about Gypsy's tree house?

3. What does Woodrow say that his mother most likely wanted most in her life?

4. How can Woodrow best be characterized from the following?

5. Who takes Woodrow for his first haircut?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Woodrow help save Gypsy from hurtful adult gossip about her father and what seems to be the common bond they share?

2. How does Gypsy help Woodrow navigate the waters of the small town gossips, especially in Akers' barber shop?

3. Describe Woodrow's character and how he easily ingratiates himself to people.

4. What is the significance of Gypsy's encounter with Porter as she is sneaking back into the house, and he is outside trying to smoke?

5. Describe Gypsy's delirious attack at the movie theater.

6. How does Gypsy's life compare to the life that Woodrow has led prior to coming to live with his grandparents?

7. What is the significance of Gypsy's long hair in the story?

8. Who is Blind Benny and what is revealed about his character based on Gypsy and Woodrow's perceptions of him?

9. What is evident about Woodrow's relationship with his father as shown in Chapter 9?

10. What does it mean when Gypsy calls Woodrow's former home a shack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ruth White is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply "Belle Prater's Boy" What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Amos. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,300 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample