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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. For whom does Bethia watch as the boat sets out for Cambridge?

2. What does Makepeace say he has arranged with the Merry family?

3. How does Bethia describe the proprietor of the school?

4. When did Anne's parents die?

5. To whom is one of the students related?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the time frame when Chapter 1 of this section opens and why is Bethia writing again?

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

4. What does Bethia say about her marriage to Samuel and their trip to Italy?

5. What does Bethia say to Corlett about applying for a position at another school and what is his response?

6. How has Makepeace arranged to buy Bethia out of her indenture?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Caleb's Crossing help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Caleb's Crossing? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Caleb's Crossing to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Caleb's Crossing. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of culture and religion in Caleb's Crossing. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to be able to meld their culture and their religion? What about how religion influences culture?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in Caleb's Crossing. What types of deaths besides physical are portrayed in Caleb's Crossing? How does death change the lives of the characters, especially Bethia?

4. Trace and analyze the theme of sin and redemption in Caleb's Crossing. Who believes sin is real? Who does not? How does sin in a character's beliefs coincide with guilt? What characters considers herself/himself sinful?

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Caleb's Crossing is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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