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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. In Chapter 12, how does the author demonstrate Granpa's respect for the animals?

2. How does the author demonstrate that despite being poor, the sharecropper is instilling pride in his daughter?

3. Referring to people who like to take and give handouts, what similarity does Granpa describe between some people and some countries?

4. Who plays the most significant role in getting Little Tree back from the orphanage, thereby demonstrating the deep bond between them?

5. How does the author create sympathy in the reader for Willow John?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the description of the incident with Mr. Slick and Mr. Chunk demonstrate the author's ability to use humor?

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

3. Why isn't Granpa interested in talking to Mr. Slick and Mr. Chunk about putting him to work on a big whiskey still?

4. Write a short character sketch of Mr. Wine and summarize his role in the story.

5. Give an example from Chapter 12 of how well the author uses vivid description to convey a picture of Spring to the reader.

6. 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?

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

8. What does Chapter 16 suggest about the place of church going in the lives of Little Tree's family?

9. What are the author's reasons for introducing the sharecropper and his daughter to the reader?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An important aspect of the novel's impact lies in the ability of the author to portray character effectively. Justifying your answer with reference to specific examples, discuss the methods used by the author to portray two major and two minor characters in the story.

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

Through the voice of Granpa, the novel expresses many explicit criticisms of the government, the law and authority figures in general. Write a critical analysis of Granpa's attitude to the government, the law and authority figures in general and comment on whether you consider it appropriate for Granpa to pass on his views to Little Tree.

(see the answer keys)

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