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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 emotional event does Larry experience?

2. How did Larry's parents die?

3. How does Sid feel about his teaching job?

4. How is the lifestyle of the Langs described?

5. How much money do Larry and Sally have that must last until payday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the flashback that the author uses in Part 1: Chapter 2.

2. How is Charity's mother characterized?

3. What do Larry and Sally learn about Charity as she talks?

4. Describe the range of emotions that Larry experiences within a 24-hour period.

5. Describe the first year in Madison for Sally and Larry.

6. Explain how one of the novel's themes of rescue is important in Part 1: Chapter 10.

7. What is the setting for the beginning of the novel?

8. What happens that gives Larry a bad premonition?

9. Explain how Larry and Charity are very much alike in their work ethics and life management skills.

10. What housing do Larry and Sally find when they reach Wisconsin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the state of Sid's barn wood shop and home office. How does the state of his rooms mirror the state of his spirit? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The Adam and Eve metaphor continues when Sally gets ill. Why does Larry know that they are about to be "banished from paradise?" What is the outcome of Larry's premonition? Is he right or wrong? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

In what ways are Sally and Sid alike? In what ways are Charity and Larry alike? Could they be happy if they were to switch marriage partners? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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