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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 does Bethia take time on her task?

2. What does Caleb call Bethia in private?

3. What does Bethia suddenly discover?

4. What does Caleb tell Bethia when her father and Makepeace go out to wash their hands?

5. To whom does Bethia apprentice herself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bethia's say is her current situation when this section opens and why is she going to continue writing?

2. What does Bethia do that she attributes to Satan's influence and what are the consequences?

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

4. What does Tequamuck do as Mayfield prepares to leave for England, and what do some believe is the result of Tequamuck's actions?

5. How does Bethia describe her life in Cambridge?

6. How does Bethia describe Caleb?

7. What happens when Bethia returns to where the Wampanoag are dancing?

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

9. What happens to Bethia's sister Solace?

10. What happens that evening after Caleb ends his friendship with Bethia that makes Bethia believe she contributes to her mother's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Geraldine Brooks.

2. What in Brooks's background may have helped her in writing Caleb's Crossing? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Bethia and Caleb. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Caleb and Joel. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Caleb's Crossing help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

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 1,168 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample