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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 the Captain believe he knows "the truth" about life after death?

2. What made the narrator choose Dunnet Landing for her visit?

3. What does the narrator notice about her own thoughts as the funeral procession moves out of sight?

4. How does Mrs. Blackett manage her advanced age?

5. Where does the narrator first stay during her visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Elijah's home.

2. How does the narrator feel about Mrs. Blackett?

3. How does Mrs. Todd feel about Captain Littlepage? How can you tell?

4. Describe Dunnet Landing.

5. What change does the narrator observe in Mrs. Todd at the Bowden family reunion?

6. What generational differences are revealed when the family reunion comes to an end?

7. Describe the narrator's relationship with Mrs. Todd.

8. How does the narrator feel about Mrs. Todd's reaction to her leaving? How can you tell?

9. Describe William's relationship to the island.

10. What does the narrator know about Captain Littlepage before he comes to visit her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Strength and vulnerability are two major themes of the novel. How is each characteristic illustrated within the novel, and how do they relate to each other?

Essay Topic 2

Dunnet is a seaside town surrounded by several islands. Discuss the various symbolic meanings of the islands mentioned in the book.

Essay Topic 3

What do you think the narrator has learned from her stay at Dunnet Landing? Support your view using specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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