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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 is it about Gram that Dicey realizes when she notices how Gram reacts to Maybeth's lateness?

2. What items do Gram and Dicey purchase on their trip to the mall?

3. What is it about the changed circumstances that has brought each of the kids to insecurity and doubt?

4. What is Dicey's reaction when the children go to bed without saying goodnight to her?

5. What do Gram and Dicey agree upon about Maybeth's word lists and study assignments?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Dicey stop to listen to Jeff play the guitar and sing, but never says much or stays very long?

2. Why is Dicey not pleased with having to shop for bras?

3. What is the impact on Gram's life now that the children have settled in at the farm?

4. What is the importance of the presence of Mr. Limgerle as the babysitter and staying as dinner guest?

5. Gram receives along letter from the doctor in Boston about Momma's condition. What are Dicey's thoughts when Gram tells her that there has been no change in Momma's condition?

6. When Sammy insist upon helping work on the sailboat, why does Dicey get irritated?

7. Why does Gram insist upon first telling only Dicey about what the teachers had to say?

8. What does Gram's reaction about the kids in the attic reveal?

9. What does Sammy striving to be the perfect student ultimately lead to?

10. What action does Gram take that compromises her long held principles but demonstrates her willingness to do what needs to be done?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dicey and her siblings made a journey toward the unknown in their summer travels from Massachusetts to Maryland. Once settled and things seem to be known and working out, Gram reverses the journey going from Maryland to Massachusetts and this time not disclosing what is known. Discuss how the two scenarios are the same and how each differs concerning the impact on Dicey.

Essay Topic 2

A recurring theme is the opening up of oneself, letting others get to know you and enter in to your life. The opening up is a process of steps, not a single event. Discuss the author's techniques in using the characters of Jeff and Mina and the deliberate separate steps the process takes for Dicey.

Essay Topic 3

Elaborate on the basic theme by citing examples of Dicey wanting to be free of responsibility so she can pursue her own course yet wanting the kids to need her. An example of Dicey's conflicting wants is her rejection of Sammy helping with the boat versus Sammy not telling what is on his mind about school and friends.

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