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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 vision did John's grandfather have?

2. What does the Union soldier indicate he knows to John's father?

3. How did John break his finger when he was 22?

4. What does Edward quote as they play catch?

5. What does John's father offer him in the ruins of the burned-down church?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are John's feelings about baseball, and what incidents contributed to those feelings?

2. Describe John's brother, Edward.

3. What is the contrast between John's father and his grandfather's views on war?

4. What three things does seeing Jack playing catch with John's son remind him of?

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

6. Describe the moment of communion John experiences in the ruins of the burned-out church.

7. What are John's thoughts upon hearing a waltz on the radio?

8. What are John's feelings and descriptions of baptism?

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

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

John's wife and son remained unnamed for the majority of the book. His wife's name is heard only from the mouth of Jack Boughton late in the novel. Discuss why Robinson chose not to reveal these names, taking into consideration John's relationship with his immediate family and how he views the two in his own life.

Essay Topic 3

C. S. Lewis wrote a partial autobiography, "Surprised by Joy," in 1955. This same concept, of being surprised by feelings of joy, elation, or even peace, is a common thread in "Gilead." Describe evidences in John's life that show that many times he was "surprised by joy," and how this gives understanding into both his character and how he responds to various situations in the book.

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This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample