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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. While wandering in Kansas, what does John's father tell him that he saw coming through the doors of his father's church?
2. How did John break his finger when he was 22?
3. Who is John's older brother?
4. What song does John sing as he rocked his son?
5. How did John's first wife die?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe John's brother, Edward.
2. Why does John feel that his memories of fleeting incidents are so vivid to him?
3. What is the significance behind the story of the farmer who was murdered with a bowie knife, and what does that have to do with John's grandfather?
4. What are John's thoughts upon hearing a waltz on the radio?
5. Describe some of the events John and his father faced in their journey to Kansas.
6. How does John view Jack Boughton prior to his coming?
7. What was Jack Boughton's first meeting with Lila like?
8. Describe the preaching John's grandfather did after coming back from the war, and how it affected his listeners.
9. How does John explain death to people who ask what it is like?
10. What are the basic facts about John's first marriage?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The author uses dialogue as a narrative technique very rarely. Discuss the author's possible reasons for using dialogue in this fashion, and why it is employed in the parts of the story it is.
Essay Topic 2
Christianity and interpretations of the bible play an important role in the book's actions and themes. Discuss whether or not unfamiliarity with the bible is a handicap in understanding Gilead. Consider whether or not this is a "religious" book, and defend your answer. Discuss whether the book would appeal to or be a turn-off to someone with little or no interest in religion, and why.
Essay Topic 3
"Gilead" has a structure like few other novels. Discuss why Robinson chose to not use chapters or other obvious breaks, how this adds or takes away from an understanding of the book, and how such a narrative propels the plot. Consider: Could "Gilead" have been improved by the inclusion of chapter breaks or other demarcations?
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This section contains 765 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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