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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. According to official instructions for feeding firefighters, how thick is Jick expected to slice meat?

2. After a lightning storm on August 25, how many fires are burning in Mac's English Creek district?

3. At the end of Part 3, what grave announcement is made?

4. Before Jick leaves Alec and the ranch, what secret does Alec ask him to keep?

5. Why is Jick not present when Alec returns home to say goodbye, before going off to war?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Jick and Lisabeth eat dinner alone, while Mac fights the forest fire, what news does Lisabeth share about Leona?

2. While Jick helps Pete with his machine repairs at the beginning of Part 3, how does Pete respond when Jick asks him about Stanley?

3. Why does Stanley suggest to Mac that their fireline should be moved to the top of the opposing slope, rather than the bottom of the slope that is currently on fire?

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

5. At the end of Part 3, what ominous announcement is made, and by whom?

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

7. Describe the final moments of Mac's life.

8. At the beginning of fire season in 1939, how does the Forest Service plan to cut costs?

9. How do the six fires, ignited during a storm on August 25, 1939, progress?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Doig write Part 4 as an epilogue of sorts, wrapping up events and revealing the ultimate destinies of the people Jick cares about? What is the dramatic impact of this technique? Do the characters' destinies serve to reinforce the main theme or themes of the novel? Does the epilogue style fall flat, as compared to the rich, detailed narration and dialogue featured in Parts 1-3, or does the epilogue style create a satisfying end to the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of alcoholism and alcohol consumption in "English Creek." Minus the alcohol, could the story have unfolded in the same way? What seems to be Doig's attitude toward alcohol?

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