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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 Jack say the chief thing his wife's father has against him?

2. How old was John when Lila first came to church?

3. According to John, how does Jack treat words?

4. Which of the Ten Commandments does John want his son to be particularly aware of?

5. John states he is preaching from Genesis 12:14 - 21, concerning what two biblical characters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What moves John to tears during his conversation at the church with Jack?

2. What is the nature of the conversation John and Boughton have while Lila, their son, and Glory have gone to the movies?

3. What are John's thoughts on "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine"?

4. John writes an extensive contemplation of the Ten Commandments, focusing on the Fifth Commandment. What are some of his thoughts?

5. What is John's point on preaching on Hagar and Ishmael?

6. What are Jack's reasons for coming home to Gilead?

7. How does John explain the futility of defending beliefs?

8. Describe Della's family situation.

9. How does John describe the responsibility that comes from encountering another person?

10. What are two memories of pranks that John and Boughton share on Boughton's porch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John's grandfather's personal belongings - specifically, the gun and the two shirts - can be considered potent symbols. Discuss what these items might be symbolic of, how other family members respond to them. Consider especially John's mother and father's response.

Essay Topic 2

John and Jack have an extended conversation on pages 160 - 173. Discuss the nature of this conversation, the different points raised in the course of the conversation, while highlighting the presence of thematically important conflicts. Note, too, any significance to the fact that the conversation took place in the church - which seems to make conversations difficult.

Essay Topic 3

The constant referral to the relationship between fathers and sons permeates "Gilead." Consider these relationships: John's relationship to his own son; John's relationship to his father; John's father's relationship to his own father; and Tobias' relationship, however sketchy, to his father. Discuss each one of these relationships, looking for common traits, differing traits, and how each relationship contributes to the overall mosaic of the story.

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This section contains 823 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample