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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Mr. Wine light a candle at a special time?
(a) He believes that it is a way of sharing thoughts with his scattered relatives who light candles at the same time.
(b) It is part of the Jewish ritual.
(c) It is in memory of his grandson.
(d) It is time for the Jewish evening prayer.

2. Who plays the most significant role in getting Little Tree back from the orphanage, thereby demonstrating the deep bond between them?
(a) Granpa.
(b) Granma.
(c) Pine Billy.
(d) Willow John.

3. In Chapter 16, what does the author suggest about the importance of the church teachings to Granpa and Little Tree?
(a) They don't fully understand what the church is about and are confused about the Bible stories.
(b) Granpa leaves this part of Little Tree's lessons to Granma.
(c) They are very involved in the church teachings and make certain they discuss the Bible stories for full understanding.
(d) Granpa doesn't believe any of it but he wants Little Tree to work it out for himself.

4. According to the news heard in Chapter 11, what is causing people in New York to die?
(a) Severe snow storms.
(b) Overcrowding and the spread of illnesses.
(c) They are killing themselves by jumping off roofs.
(d) A serious epidemic that causes depression.

5. How does Little Tree's love and appreciation of nature help him overcome the isolation of the orphanage?
(a) He makes friends with frogs and crickets.
(b) He gets companionship from the wind, the trees and the Dog Star.
(c) From his window, he watches the moon and the sun.
(d) He gets companionship from the dogs.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mr. Wine assure Little Tree that he is getting a good education?

2. How does the author reveal Granpa's sense of humor even during this dangerous adventure?

3. What does the author imply might be the reason for the special bond that exists between Mr. Wine and Little Tree's family?

4. How do religious and cultural beliefs cause Little Tree and the sharecropper's daughter to act negatively towards each other?

5. Why does Little Tree describe Fall as nature's grace time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the early symbols in Chapter 20 of Little Tree's excitement that he is home from the orphanage?

2. During an incident in Chapter 13, poor people on the farm in the clearing are harassed and killed by government authorities. What part does this incident play in the novel?

3. What purpose does Willow John serve in the novel?

4. Give a brief summary of the events related by Granpa that lead to Little Tree's return from the orphanage.

5. What examples of prejudice and misunderstanding does Little Tree encounter at the orphanage?

6. What are the main purposes served by the incident in which Granpa is bitten by the rattlesnake?

7. In what two ways do Granpa and Granma help to create a sense of worth in Little Tree during Chapter 15?

8. In what ways does the author communicate to the reader the growing fear and grief experienced by Granpa, Granma and Little Tree at the prospect of their separation?

9. How do Granpa and Little Tree continue to make sure that as much as possible is learned from Little's Tree loss in the calf purchase?

10. How does this episode on the old farm symbolize both the cruelty and generosity observed by Granpa in his youth?

(see the answer keys)

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