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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Rod's daughter's name?

2. Who asks to be let off his mining contract?

3. Who nurses his thumb listening to the news?

4. Who is angry when Rod shows up to share condolences

5. What does Rod tell Johnny after he reaches the serpentine rock?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in "Gold Mine". Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What is the significance of the title "Gold Mine"? How does this relate to the protagonist Rod and in particular to the main theme of the book? What did the author mean by calling the book "Gold Mine"? Cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 202 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample