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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. When Mattie's mother inquires about Colette's health what response does she get?

2. What type of meeting is Eliza attending?

3. What does Mattie go to find once Grandfather has fallen asleep?

4. What does Mattie worry her mother wanted more than her?

5. Why will Matilda's mother not allow Matilda to take Polly's family food?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mattie try to catch fish in the stream?

2. What does Grandfather want Mattie to do with the money he gives her?

3. What do Mattie and her mother argue about at the end of Chapter 3?

4. What do Mattie and Grandfather learn at the newspaper office?

5. Where does the doctor suggest that the women and children should go?

6. Why does the church bell ring twenty-one times?

7. What is the soldier's trick for finding water that Mattie uses?

8. Why does Mrs. Bowles suggest to Mattie that she come work at the orphan house?

9. Who are the horsemen that stop the wagon?

10. Has Mattie's mother always been "a tired and bitter captain"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Setting is important to the plot in this novel. Select three of the settings in the novel and:

1) Describe the setting in detail.

2) Discuss how it influence the plot and character development. Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Mattie's mother and grandfather have a strong influence on her. Describe at least three ways that Mattie's family influences her development then discuss and analyze the impact these have on her. Is she better or worse for these influences? Why? Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Mattie goes through several rites of passage in this novel. In your essay:

1) Describe at least two events that help usher her into adulthood.

2) Then discuss how these events help make her a "woman".

Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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