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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. During conversation on Thursday while Mac is away, how does Lisabeth describe Leona?

2. Who ultimately skins most of the dead sheep?

3. How is the landscape of the Two country often described?

4. Jick thinks Ray has a romantic interest in which local girl?

5. From what country did the McCaskill family emigrate in the 1880s?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mac's square dance calling compare with that of Jerome, the main caller?

2. Describe the condition of the Hebner place in 1939. Why is Jick's father depressed every time he sees it?

3. Why is Ray so adept at mimicking radio personalities, and who does he mimic?

4. Briefly describe the main character of "English Creek," as portrayed early in the novel.

5. In Part 1, why is Jick so upset when his father accidentally calls him "Alec?"

6. Briefly describe Jick's mishap with Bubbles, the pack horse, on the way to Andy Gustafson's camp.

7. When Jick rides alone to check on Walter Kyle's ranch early in Part 1, what thoughts does he have about women in general?

8. Briefly describe Jick's first experience with drinking whiskey.

9. Why is the Two country described as a toupee of grass on a cranium of rock?

10. What fate befell many of the ranch families who used to live along English Creek prior to the start of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Doig use foreshadowing and references to the past to forward his plots and reveal character traits? Consider at least three examples.

Essay Topic 2

In the tradition of Twain, Doig uses colorful turns of phrase and slang to imbue his characters with personality. Compare and contrast the speech patterns of several characters in "English Creek." Explain what the characters' speech patterns reveal about their past, education level, and/or personality.

Essay Topic 3

Jick's coming of age in the summer of 1939 includes the rudiments of sexual awakening. Discuss his attitudes throughout the novel, involving Leona, Velma, Marcella, and his mother, with regard to his maturing attitudes toward girls and women.

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