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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 conclusion did Gaffett draw from his experience?

2. Where did the Captain's experience described in Chapter 5 take place?

3. What piece of information does Mrs. Todd reveal to the narrator?

4. What did Gaffett and his companion discover after sailing away from the shipwreck?

5. What does the narrator conclude based on Mrs. Todd's revelation?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator react to the funeral procession?

2. What do you conclude from Joanna's revelation that she committed "the ultimate sin" and her advice to Mrs. Todd that she love her new husband?

3. What does Mrs. Todd say about Elijah and about fishermen in general at the end of Chapter 20?

4. How does Mrs. Todd characterize the man Joanna was going to marry?

5. Why does Captain Littlepage say he left the sea?

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

7. Which values does Elijah Tilley embody?

8. What cultural characteristics of the natives of this area are revealed during the Bowden family reunion?

9. Describe the way the other guests treat Mrs. Blackett, and explain why you believe they act this way.

10. Describe the way that the narrator's decision to write at the schoolhouse affects her relationship with Mrs. Todd.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think the narrator learns about human nature from her friendships with the people of Dunnet? Focus on one character in your answer and support your view.

Essay Topic 2

At the beginning of Chapter 12, the narrator introduces Mrs. Fosdick with the following words: "Except for a few stray guests, islanders or from the inland country, to whom Mrs. Todd offered the hospitalities of a single meal, we were quite by ourselves all summer; and when there were signs of invasion, ... I suffered much from apprehension. ... but after all, ... it was impossible not to sympathize with Mrs. Todd, who, ... was really delighted with the prospect of entertaining an old friend." Describe the novels themes of solitude and isolation vs. the importance of community by expanding on what the narrator means by this quote.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how the author uses the Bowden family reunion to illustrate the importance of family to the people of New England.

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