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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. When did Anne's parents die?

2. What is one thing Bethia has to endure?

3. What does Bethia realize about Caleb as they are riding back to the white settlement?

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

5. What position is it likely Joel will hold at graduation?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Samuel confess to Bethia?

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

5. What is Smauel Corlett like?

6. Describe a little about Anne's life.

7. Why does Bethia tell Caleb to stop calling her Storm Eyes?

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

9. What is surprising about Mayfield's will?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Caleb's Crossing. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Brooks's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Brooks use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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