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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. Who takes over the Reese Ranch when Pete decides to sell?

2. What ultimately becomes of Ray, according to Jick, years later?

3. Jick's hay crew spends their final days where?

4. Who goes into town to fetch the extra lunches?

5. Who had reported that the local ranger had been drinking when Phantom Woman burned?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the cause of the past rift between Stanley and Mac, as revealed near the end of Part 3?

2. After Mac requests fifty firefighters and a cook, what positions are assigned to Stanley and Jick?

3. What was the early relationship between Stanley and Mac, as revealed near the end of Part 3?

4. Shortly after the death of Mac, what big question does Lisabeth ask of Jick?

5. Briefly describe Pete's strategy in getting rid of the incompetent Good Help without firing him.

6. Describe the decorating project Jick undertakes, to keep himself occupied in the heat of August.

7. Who are the members of Pete's hay crew at the beginning of the 1939 season, and what are their assigned duties?

8. Why is Jick fond of operating the scatter rake?

9. What is the first breakfast Stanley and Jick prepare for the firefighters?

10. How, during haying season, does Jick find himself at the Double W Ranch with Alec?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Williamsons and the Double W Ranch are seen, throughout "English Creek," as symbolic of the evil of greed and excess wealth. Cite several examples in the novel when greed is illustrated by actions of the Williamsons. Consider also Lisabeth's speech at the Fourth of July Picnic.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the similarities of and differences between Mac and Stanley, both rangers at some point in their lives, both more knowledgeable of the Two Medicine National Forest than anyone else, both intelligent men who care about the land, and yet so different in other ways.

Essay Topic 3

The fishing exploits of the McCaskill males are mentioned frequently in the novel. Discuss the poignancy and symbolism of Mac's death, when he is found with nine fish on his stringer and one on his hook.

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