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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. With what does Philomene say her family's lives are filled?

2. Where is Billes General Store located?

3. What year does Narcisse decide to join the war effort?

4. What number child is Emily pregnant with in Chapter 34?

5. Why does Joseph move Emily to a house that is isolated on a tract of land?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Narcisse begin to hoard money and food?

2. Describe Elisabeth's encounter with a census taker.

3. What does Philomene name her daughter by Narcisse, and what does she say about the daughter?

4. What does Philomene think one day in Chapter 16 when she sees Clement holding one of their daughters?

5. In Chapter 19, what does Elisabeth say about Philomene's visions, and how does Philomene plan to use them on Narcisse?

6. To whom is Gerant married, and what is his stipulation about working with the family?

7. In Chapter 25, what does Yellow John say about Clement's fate?

8. What is Philomene's vision when she is ill in Chapter 18?

9. What do the Union armies start doing, and what is Philomene's response?

10. What does Angelite say about a young man who is interested in marrying her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character are developed to the same degree? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Cane River is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Emily takes a piece of advice from Bet, to stop and listen to what the older women of the family are saying in order to gain insight into their lives. It's advice that Emily will take seriously.

What do you think is the value of Emily listening to the older women about their lives? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

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:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Cane River help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Cane River? Why or why not. Use examples from Cane River and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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