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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. How does the incident with the fox and hounds affect the relationship between Granpa and Little Tree?

2. What is the Hangin' Gap?

3. How does Granpa help Little Tree overcome feeling empty and sad after Ringer's death?

4. According to his grandparents, why is it important for Little Tree to learn about his past?

5. Why does Granpa pay so much attention to praising Little Tree and making him feel important?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Granma explain the existence of body and spirit to Little Tree in Chapter 8?

2. Summarize the episode between Pine Billy and Smokehouse and say why it creates humor.

3. Summarize the story about 'Coon Jack' and explain Granpa's reason for telling it to Little Tree.

4. What detailed explanation of "The Way" does Granpa's give Little Tree when the hawk, Tal-con kills a quail?

5. How does Granpa's attitude to fox hunting make him special and show his regard for nature?

6. Apart from hunting, what is the special reason for Granpa taking Little Tree out for this all-night adventure?

7. How does the beginning of Chapter 10 contrast with the ending of the incident in which Little Tree protects the whiskey still from the outsiders?

8. How does the behavior of some of the people on the bus help to introduce one of the themes of the novel?

9. What descriptions of the journey to, and arrival at his new home establish that Little Tree is going to be in a strange place?

10. Why is the trail called the "Trail of Tears" and how does the author challenge some traditional beliefs about what happened there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Among the important themes explored in this novel are exclusion and prejudice. Discuss the characters, circumstances and relationships through which the themes of exclusion and prejudice are explored in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Granpa is involved in the controversial whiskey trade and exposes Little Tree to danger by involving him in the activities associated with it. Explain the complexities of Granpa's involvement in the whiskey trade and comment on the advantages and disadvantages of his decision to involve Little Tree in this line of work.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the author's treatment of death and loss in the first and last chapters of the novel, indicating the changes which are evident in Little Tree's reactions to these experiences.

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