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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 future does Tequamuck see for his people?

2. Who dies unexpectedly?

3. What does Caleb sing?

4. What does Samuel do when Bethia walks away from him?

5. What surprises everyone when Mayfield's will is read?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why are arrangements made for Joel to return to Cambridge before the others from the island?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe a little about Anne's life.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of The Maze, Bethia grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Caleb's Crossing might be considered a slice of Bethia's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that Caleb's Crossing is a "bildungsroman" of Bethia. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Bethia as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, older woman. What are the significant events that change Bethia?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Bethia's growth throughout Caleb's Crossing, do you think Caleb's Crossing could be considered Bethia's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Caleb's Crossing who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Caleb's Crossing.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Caleb's Crossing. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Caleb's Crossing. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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