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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 does Robert plan to do to keep the family afloat until harvest time?

2. What does Ruth tell Robert about her feelings for Andrew?

3. What is the setting of Act I, Scene I?

4. What is Ben's job?

5. What experience did Robert have as a child that he tells Ruth about in Act 1, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the argument between Robert and Ruth in Act 2, Scene 1.

2. What does Ruth say when Andrew angrily asks her why they didn't let him know about Robert's deteriorating health?

3. What does Ruth tell her mother about Robert's plan for their future when he gets well and can leave the farm?

4. What kind of plan does Andrew speak about to Ruth while the doctor is examining Robert?

5. What work is Andrew considered to be well suited for?

6. What are Ruth's intentions when she goes up to the hilltop?

7. Describe Robert's interests at the beginning of Act 1.

8. What does Ruth look like in Act 3, Scene 1?

9. What does Robert say that the doctor told him to do to be cured?

10. In Act 2, Scene 1, describe Robert's relationship with Mary.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Mrs. Atkins' role in the play? Provide three examples of how Mrs. Atkins influences the lives of others.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of suffering in this play. Who seems to have suffered the most? Use textual examples to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Do you think it is fair that Ruth asks Robert to cancel his plans for the sea voyage and stay at home with her? In what ways does she manipulate him to make this decision? Explain using specific supporting examples.

(see the answer keys)

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