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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. Why do the Manitouwatootan move closer to Bethia's community?

2. What does Bethia say she feels about the Wampanoag?

3. What happens to Caleb when Noah comes around?

4. Who are the Wampanoag?

5. What does Bathia find herself drawn into?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bethia feel about Solace?

2. What does Caleb think of Bethia's name and how does he express his feelings about it?

3. What does Bethia say about Caleb's progress with the English language?

4. What happens when a whale strands itself on the beach and how does Bethia feel about the situation?

5. Where is Bethia sent and what are the aftereffects of her drinking out of the gourd?

6. How does Caleb explain his early morning greeting to the sun god?

7. How does Mayfield act in the aftermath of Solace's death?

8. What are Bethia's father's plans for Caleb?

9. Why does Bethia work so hard on her chores?

10. What is Bethia's father's dealings with the Wampanoag, and how does Bethia learn their language?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Caleb's Crossing is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The situation of Bethia agreeing to become an indentured servant is a narrative opportunity for the author to explore one of the work's key themes, the relationship between sin, redemption and rebirth. Bethia continually and repeatedly strives to redeem herself for what she sees as her sinful choices and feelings, but over the course of the narrative, seems less and less inclined to believe that what she actually has done is a sin.

1. Discuss the ways in which Bethia's belief about sin changes from when she is a girl to when she is an older woman. Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

2. Do you think that Bethia's need to redeem herself is a pathological response induced by a harsh religion? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

3. How do you think changing her views on sin might change Bethia's life? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Caleb's Crossing and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Caleb's Crossing is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 996 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample