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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 does Oriel Lamb dream about in Chapter IX?

2. By what name is the serial killer in Perth called in Chapter IX?

3. What is strange about Quick Lamb’s appearance when he is discovered sick by his employers after going out in the boat in Chapter VI?

4. Where do the Lamb and Pickles families arrange a picnic in Chapter X?

5. What character is the youngest child in the Lamb family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is foreshadowed by the odd glow that surrounds Quick Lamb in Chapter VII?

2. What is represented symbolically by the black hitchhiker that Quick Lamb meets in Chapter VI?

3. How does the relationship between Dolly and Rose Pickles evolve in Chapter IX?

4. What purpose does the appearance of the black man serve in Chapter IX?

5. What bad things begin happening after Sam Pickles has foreseen bad luck in Chapter IX?

6. What does the character of Lucy Wentworth represent symbolically in the story?

7. What is foreshadowed by Oriel and Quick’s catch of prawns in Chapter VII?

8. What does Quick dream of when he is knocked unconscious in Chapter VI?

9. What is the central focus of Chapter X? How does this chapter introduce hope?

10. How does the author address the concept of faith through Oriel and Lester in Chapter X?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the establishment of “Cloudstreet,” the small grocery store developed in the ground floor of the Pickles’ and Lambs’ home at One Cloud Street. How big is the store? What items are sold here? How successful is the business when it first opens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the traditions, history, origins, and cultural relevance of Guy Fawkes Day and its celebration by the Lambs and Pickles in Chapter IV. Why does Fish Lamb become upset when the Guy Fawkes effigy is burned? What does his behavior symbolize?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the family history of Dolly Pickles in the novel. What secret does Dolly reveal to Rose about her mother? How has Dolly’s past influenced her actions in the story? Do you think that Dolly is an empathetic character? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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