View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Bethia and Makepeace do every day?

2. Where does Samuel take Bethia the next day?

3. What does Makepeace think Bethia feels about Caleb?

4. What does Bethia choose not to fear?

5. What future does Tequamuck see for his people?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens to Joel on his way to the mainland?

4. What is surprising about Mayfield's will?

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

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

7. What does Samuel confess to Bethia?

8. What is Smauel Corlett like?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Caleb's Crossing. Questions that Brooks most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Brooks' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Brooks' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Brooks and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,091 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample