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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 is John's son's friend's name?

2. When was the only time that John did not live in Gilead?

3. When John was a child, what did he think the purpose of steeples were?

4. What was John's mother's name?

5. Who does John feel that his son is very much like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the key aspects of John's life that he recounts to his son?

2. What are some of John's comments on water?

3. What are the basic facts about John's first marriage?

4. How does John describe himself as a younger man?

5. What is the story John's father tells him about John Brown's mule?

6. What are John's thoughts on the Lord's Supper? How does his son figure into this account?

7. Briefly recount the story John's grandfather and his friends used to tell about the citizens of a little abolitionist town.

8. Why does John feel that his memories of fleeting incidents are so vivid to him?

9. What does John learn about his grandfather and his encounter with a Union soldier?

10. How does John describe being in the world at night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In the section encompassing pages 86 - 104, an image of communion is presented, as it is throughout the novel. Consider the significance of this ritual outside the walls of a church. Discuss what the implication of this event is, especially in light of the theme of the relationship between fathers and sons outside the realm of religion. Factor in, too, the relationship between John and Jack.

Essay Topic 3

John seems to harbor some resentment to the fact that he is Jack Boughton's namesake. Discuss why this is the case, how this resentment manifests itself, and how he deals with the responsibility of helping forge Jack's character.

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This section contains 802 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample