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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 Janey do when her parents take a nap on the riverbank?

2. Janey seldom has the chance to ________________.

3. What does Lupe say is always in the same place at the fair?

4. Lupe says that her baby sister is ________________.

5. What does the person in #83 think Janey wants to do at the farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Bounce Reyburn and how do the Larkins encounter him?

2. What is the significance of the nickel in terms of how Mom feels for Janey's good fortune?

3. Why is the nickel such a big thing for Mom to give to Janey?

4. How old is Janey Larkin and what is she doing as the novel begins?

5. What is Bounce's role on the ranch and what authority does he say he has regarding rent?

6. How does the author use foreshadowing regarding the willow plate in Chapter 4?

7. Who is Lupe Romero and how does Janey encounter her?

8. What is unspoken between Janey and Lupe regarding the ride ticket that Lupe gives Janey?

9. Why are the Larkins living the way they are now in California?

10. How could Janey's comment about Lupe's skin be considered prejudiced?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Mr. Anderson. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Mr. Anderson's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Doris Gates 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 3

Explain Doris Gates' use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where she did.

(see the answer keys)

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