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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. With whom does Bethia talk about Samuel and Noah?

2. What do Bethia and Makepeace do every day?

3. What does Makepeace think is the cause of his father's death?

4. What does Bethia say about Caleb at commencement?

5. What is revealed about Bethia in the first chapter of this section?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the argument Bethia and Makepeace become embroiled in one day at the memorial for their father.

4. What does Mayfield's will say about further schooling for Joel, Caleb and Makepeace and how does that affect Bethia?

5. What are a couple things Bethia does during her first days at the school?

6. How do Caleb and Joel do on their entrance exams?

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

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

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

10. How does Bethia help Caleb die with peace and dignity?

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

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 3

Caleb's actions in Chapter 7 can clearly be seen as an important component of his overall journey and intention - to be as fully native a man as he can within the context of being as fully Christian a man as he can. The former is his identity, the latter is the filter through which that identity can function to the benefit of his people. In other words, Caleb's choices and his reactions to those choices are clear manifestations of the work's thematic interest in the struggles faced by individuals to define individual identity; in particular, finding the balance between what internal drives dictate and what external circumstances demand.

1. Discuss, in depth, the conflict between Caleb's native culture and the Christian religion. Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

2. How do you think Caleb's choices and his reactions portrays the them of identity? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

3. Do you think the balance between internal drives and external circumstances is universal to the human race? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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