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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. Why is Gertie traveling into town?

2. How does Gertie travel at the beginning of chapter one?

3. At the beginning of chapter nine, what is Gertie doing as she reflects on how long it has been since Henley left and then was killed?

4. Which of the children could be described using the term prissy?

5. Why did Reuben cut the crooked cedar?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author let the reader know that the car is something the townspeople fear?

2. What symbol is used to demonstrate the differences between Gertie and Clovis in chapter five?

3. When does Clovis tell Gertie she will have regular money?

4. What does Reuben hope to see in Gertie as she talks to her mother about her dreams?

5. What new information is learned about Max's relationship with her husband?

6. What does Reuben say when Gertie tells him of her hope to have their own farm?

7. While Gertie is digging for potatoes, what good news does she receive?

8. Why doesn't Gertie tell her husband that she performed the surgery?

9. Why does Gertie decide to take Cassie with her to her parent's house?

10. What is a problem with Gertie that is clearly defined in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the relationships between Gertie and her neighbors throughout the novel and how they progressed. Be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your description.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the concept that this novel reflects on the idea of the American Dream. Use specific examples from the text to support your essay.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay telling in what way this novel reflects the traditional American Dream. Is it in a positive nature or negative nature? Explain your reasons and use supporting examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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