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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 does Vanessa consider Grandpa Nye's lawn to be?

2. What was Vanessa's reaction to seeing her grandmother in her casket?

3. Who does Vanessa think Grandpa Nye looks like?

4. Who is the author of THE DEAD OF THE HOUSE?

5. What style house does Grandfather Nye have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What aspect of history has always intrigued Grandpa Nye?

2. What is the setting of the "And Here Tecumseh Fell" chapter?

3. What amazing war story does Grandpa Nye tell Vanessa about James DeGolyer?

4. How does Vanessa's mood brighten on a gloomy October day as she approaches Grandpa Nye's house?

5. How does Grandpa Nye feel now about his days of paddling canoes as a boy?

6. Why are Vanessa and Lisa uncomfortable in their parents' home?

7. What does Vanessa keep by her bedside?

8. Where did Grandpa Nye attend college?

9. Why is Vanessa at odds with her mother and sister?

10. What does Lisa reveal about the troubles she is experiencing in her family life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Aunt Janice. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

THE DEAD OF THE HOUSE is a classic coming of age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

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