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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. Why does Oreline resist Narcisse's advice?

2. How old is Elisabeth when the census is being taken?

3. Of what does Narcisse say Emily will not be forgiven?

4. How old is Emily when Valery leaves to join the war effort?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who becomes ill in Chapter 18, and who takes care of them?

2. In Chapter 31, what does narration say about Joseph's life so far?

3. What does Narcisse tell Oreline has to be done after Ferrier's death concerning the slaves and what does she decide about Clement?

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

5. What is an example of how the traditional roles on Oreline's farm become skewed?

6. What is the argument between Oreline and Philomene about who owes whom in Chapter 24?

7. In Chapter 23, what does Oreline ask of her husband concerning the war, and what is his response?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

Compare/contrast the characters of Philomene and Suzette. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Eugene and Narcisse. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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