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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. How far back does Vanessa share her family lineage?

3. What item of her Uncle Joab's does Vanessa keep by her bed?

4. Grandpa had his theories of creationism tested by Alfred Russel Wallace, ____________ partner.

5. Where did Grandpa Nye attend college?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Grandpa Nye try to keep the family alive throughout the house?

2. Why does Vanessa think her grandfather looks like Tecumseh?

3. Why was Grandpa Nye determined to speak at the library cornerstone ceremony?

4. Where is Vanessa when she learns about the bombs being dropped on Pearl Harbor and what effect does World War II have on her life?

5. How did Grandpa Nye adapt to life as a boy in Cincinnati?

6. Explain the L F B M Club.

7. What is Grandpa Nye's condition when the family goes to visit him?

8. What does Eugenie reveal about what was found in Grandpa Nye's house when he moved?

9. What topic of conversation does Vanessa's father bring up which surprises her in light of the sad news about Grandpa Nye?

10. Whose spirit is strong in the room while Vanessa looks over the engravings and books about William Henry Harrison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the story THE DEAD OF THE HOUSE? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Grandpa Nye's first wife and his second wife. How are they different? How are they similar?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 978 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample