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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. Where did Mr. Tubble show up after he had been missing for a few days?

2. Why did the Townsends invite Rawlings over for a party?

3. What did the Townsends serve for dinner at their party?

4. Where did the cow kick Rawlings the first time she tried to milk it?

5. Which of the following adjectives did NOT describe Geechee when she arrived at Rawlings's doorstep?

Short Essay Questions

1. What experience with outhouses did Rawlings have when she was growing up?

2. What type of relationship did Rawlings have with Black Aunt Martha Mickens?

3. How did Rawlings describe the woman playing piano that she met while taking census information with Zelda?

4. What type of relationship did Rawlings have with Leroy?

5. Who were the Townsends, and what was Rawlings's relationship to them?

6. Who was Tim, and why did he leave Rawlings's property?

7. What types of physical maladies were the Slaters suffering from, and why weren't there maladies being treated?

8. After she left Rawlings's home for the first time, what type of working relationship did Geechee have with the farm?

9. How much land did Rawlings inherit when she moved to Cross Creek, and what did she use her land for?

10. How did Mr. Marsh Turner die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Rawlings frequently brings up the idea of "racial memory." How does Rawlings define "racial memory"? How was racial memory significant in the particular era in which Rawlings lived in Cross Creek. Give at least two examples of moments from the memoir in which racial memory was significant. How did racial memory affect relationships in both of these scenes?

Essay Topic 2

At the opening of the memoir, Rawlings is quick to point out all her personal flaws to the reader, particularly in regard to her skills at Cross Creek. First, explain how Rawlings came to live on Cross Creek. Was she prepared for this move to the farmland? How did Rawlings's personal history lead her to list all her personal flaws. In the end, do you think these personal flaws helped or hindered Rawlings during the time she lived on Cross Creek?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the memoir, Rawlings struggles to come to terms with the idea of land ownership. First, describe what Rawlings believes is the responsibility of an owner to their land. Do you think Rawlings embodied these responsibilities? Then, explain who or what Rawlings believes is the true owner of land. In Rawlings's opinion, who owns Cross Creek? Do you agree with her?

(see the answer keys)

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