View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the General Manager of The Sonder Ditch Mine found underground?

2. What does the general manager die of?

3. Who does Rod pull out of the stopes while he does his investigation?

4. Who approaches Rod and tells him that his boss boy has finished his ticket?

5. What is already crowded with emergency personnel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rod take the Mary Anne?

2. How does Jose make a profit from gold?

3. Why is Manfred disgusted by the man sitting next to him on the plane?

4. What does Hurry tell King's family?

5. Describe what happens to Rod and Terry after he gets promoted.

6. What happens when King cuts the dinghy free?

7. Describe Teresa's influence on Hurry.

8. Describe Johnny and Constantine's altercation at the hotel where he goes dancing.

9. Why is Melanie's mother angry at Rod?

10. Describe Joseph M'Kati.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many different cultures in "Gold Mine" related to the different kinds of characters and the different settings. Which aspects appear invented and which characters seem modeled or inspired by real people in Smith's life? Do some research and discuss.

Essay Topic 2

The author describes murder and theft in the latter half of the book. Who dies? What is stolen? Who is affected? How does this change the course of the narrative? What action occurs subsequently as a direct result? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

Power in society is a prevailing theme of "Gold Mine". Smith frequently refers to this theme, painting the picture of two worlds that are struggling for power and survival. How does power relate to having gold or wealth? Which characters appear honest and which appear corrupt and why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they were initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Smith describes? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 757 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample