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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. Who is knitting at the beginning of Act 2?

2. In what month is the beginning of the play set?

3. Who says the hills around the farm feel like a prison?

4. What does Andrew tell Dick Scott he will do at the end of Act I, Scene II?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mrs. Mayo defend her son Robert from Mrs. Atkins' criticisms?

2. Why does Andrew think it's a good idea for Robert to go on the sea voyage?

3. What reasons does Ruth give for wanting to talk with Robert alone at the fence the night before he is supposed to leave?

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

5. What is the reason James tells Andrew to never return to the farm again?

6. How does Andrew describe his feelings for Ruth as he and Robert sit on the hilltop discussing Andrew's travels?

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

8. What does Robert say about Mary's death eight months before?

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

10. What is Andrew's response to Robert when he cries out that the situation is damnable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the play, Andrew is held up as an example of a good farmer. Discuss the other character's view of him as the person who will turn the farm around. Does he succeed in fulfilling these expectations? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe two different settings in this play and discuss how they reflect a character's level of prosperity and emotional well-being.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Andrew's perspective about telling lies. When does he tell lies in the play and why does he choose to do so? What are the consequences for him?

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