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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. What does Matilda believe has made her mother so bitter?

2. Before Mattie's grandfather came to live with them what was his profession?

3. What type of meeting is Eliza attending?

4. How does Mattie feel about the invitation?

5. What does Mrs. Bowles suggest to Mattie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mattie's mother want her to leave the room?

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

3. What three things does a soldier need to fight?

4. What does Nathaniel Benson send Mattie?

5. Describe what the city looks like as Mattie and Grandfather ride the wagon through it.

6. What is Grandfather's response to the clerk when he suggests sending Mattie to the orphan hose?

7. Describe Grandfather as he leaves on the wagon.

8. What do some people in the coffeehouse suggest is causing the sickness?

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

10. The business at the coffeehouse has improved due to the fever therefore the Cook family has some extra money. Each member of the family has a different idea of what should be done with the money. What are their ideas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Friendship is an important topic in this novel.

1) Describe the different ways friendship is presented in the book in detail

2) Then discuss the message the author is trying to make about friendships. In other words, what is her view of friendships? What does she think is important in a friendship? What does she do to show the reader this is her belief?

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

Essay Topic 2

There are several characters who influence the person that Mattie becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on her development and:

1) Describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Mattie.

2) Discuss the impact of this character on Mattie's life and personality.

3) Discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Mattie than others?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

At times throughout the novel Mattie and Eliza depend on one another. Look back through the novel and:

1) Describe how their relationship evolves.

2) Discuss the impact that their relationship has at each point in the novel.

Use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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