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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 surprises everyone when Mayfield's will is read?

2. What does Bethia feel the need to do?

3. Whom does Bethia have to listen to when they get to the college?

4. What does Samuel ask Bethia when they are alone?

5. What is never mentioned in commencement?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is surprising about Mayfield's will?

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

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

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

5. What does Bethia say about the change in attitude towards Caleb and Joel by the other students?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Caleb's Crossing and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Caleb's Crossing is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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