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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the narrator react to the funeral procession?
(a) She thinks perhaps she should have joined the procession.
(b) She realizes that life is short and decides to live life to its fullest.
(c) She is irritated by the distraction from her writing.
(d) She feels sorry for the family members.

2. Who does the narrator say comes and goes past the schoolhouse window?
(a) Mrs. Todd's customers.
(b) The sheep.
(c) Captain Littlepage.
(d) Mrs. Todd.

3. How would you characterize Mrs. Blackett's demeanor?
(a) Positive.
(b) Fragile.
(c) Hopeful.
(d) Fearful.

4. According to the narrator's quote, what does Darwin say about sea captains?
(a) They are the lowliest of men.
(b) They are greater than kings.
(c) They are the toughest of men.
(d) They are second only to schoolmasters.

5. Where does the narrator go to write in Chapter 1?
(a) The park.
(b) The schoolhouse.
(c) A cottage in the village.
(d) The beach.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the funeral procession for?

2. What conclusion did Gaffett draw from his experience?

3. Who does the narrator compare Mrs. Fosdick to when describing her visits to others?

4. What connection does Mrs. Todd see between the tansy in the schoolyard and people?

5. What was the cause of the Captain's experience?

Short Essay Questions

1. What role do the furnishings in Elijah Tilley's house play in Chapter 20?

2. Explain Mrs. Todd's perspective on what the others have said about Sant Bowden.

3. When leaving Mrs. Todd's home, the narrator muses on the topic of death. Explain this thought process and how it relates to the situation.

4. Elijah Tilley's character provides a number of surprises for the narrator. What are they?

5. How does the narrator's relationship to Mrs. Todd change during their visit to Mrs. Blackett's?

6. Choose one place described in the novel and describe its significance to the story.

7. Describe the narrator's reaction to Joanna's story.

8. The novel uses a series of stories to describe life in this little town. Choose one of these stories told by the characters, paraphrase it briefly, and explain its significance.

9. Does Captain Littlepage believe Gaffett's story? How can you tell?

10. Describe the relationship between Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Fosdick.

(see the answer keys)

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