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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 pain does Bethia believe waits for her?

2. What tradition does Caleb refuse to obey?

3. What is triggered by the inlaid box in Bethia's possession?

4. What happens to Joel on his way back to Cambridge?

5. What is never mentioned in commencement?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is surprising about Mayfield's will?

2. What does Bethia do in order to help Caleb when he is dying?

3. What does Bethia say about Caleb and Joel regarding their studies?

4. Describe a little about Anne's life.

5. Why has Noah Merry come to Cambridge and what news does he bring?

6. Why is Caleb still disturbed about the situation with Anne and what does he do?

7. Why is Samuel's marriage proposal to Bethia interrupted, and what how does Bethia handle the situation.

8. Why is Bethia relieved when they board a vesself for Cambridge, and how is her first day there?

9. Why do Caleb, Joel and Bethia believe they need to get Ann to the island?

10. What does Samuel confess to Bethia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Caleb's Crossing based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Caleb's Crossing is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Caleb's Crossing a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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