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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 the story "A View of the Woods," how does Fortune characterize Mary Fortune when she attacks him?

2. In the story "The Enduring Chill," why does Asbury not want to see Dr. Block?

3. In the story "The Enduring Chill," what does Mrs. Fox suggest that Asbury write a novel about?

4. In the story "A View of the Woods," why does Fortune visit the courthouse?

5. In the story "Judgment Day," why does Tanner not write his true feelings about NYC in his postcard to Coleman and Hooten ?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of the story "The Comforts of Home," what does the sheriff surmise actually happened to Thomas' mother?

2. Why is Julian left feeling "guilt and sorrow" at the end of the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge"?

3. In the story "Revelation," what bothers Mrs. Turpin about the teenage girl?

4. In the story "The Enduring Chill," how does the author characterize the relationship between Mary George and Asbury?

5. In the story "Greenleaf," how do the Greenleafs come to live on the May farm?

6. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," why is Sheppard bothered by his son eating cake for breakfast?

7. Describe social class from Mrs. Turpin's perspective as presented in the story "Revelation."

8. In the story "The Comforts of Home," what does Thomas' mother do to help Star?

9. In the story "Greenleaf," how does Mrs. May discover Mrs. Greenleaf's faith healing practice?

10. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," how does Norton react when Rufus tells him about hell? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Flashbacks play an important role in the development of characters in this novel. Choose two of the flashbacks presented in the novel and:

1) describe each flashback;

2) describe the significance of the flashback on the person remembering the scene;

3) analyze the placement of this flashback at this point in the narrative--why does the author choose to include the flashback at this point in the story?

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Select the story in the collection that you most identify with. Write an essay explaining:

1) why you selected this story;

2) what is significant to you about the story;

3) how the story reflects your personal beliefs.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Several of the stories in this collection offer a commentary on charity. Select three of the stories in which this commentary is developed and:

1) explain what the stories say about charity;

2) demonstrate how the author develops this commentary in the story;

3) respond to the author's commentary--do you agree or disagree with her? Why?

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,090 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample