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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 didn't Mrs. Todd marry her first love?

2. Why does Mrs. Todd say she wants to pick herbs on the island where Mrs. Blackett lives?

3. What does the narrator say about Mrs. Todd's way of talking about Captain Littlepage?

4. How old does the Captain say he is?

5. Where does Mrs. Blackett live?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the scenery at the Bowden family's feast.

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

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

6. Why does the narrator decide to rent the schoolhouse?

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

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

9. Describe Elijah's feelings for his late wife.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

During her visit to Elijah's Tilley's home, the narrator says, "the old widower sat with his head bowed over his knitting, as if he were hastily shortening the very thread of time." How does this quote relate in general to Elijah and the novel's theme of impermanence?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,100 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample