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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. Why does Willie end up in Mrs. Black's class?

2. From what book does Tom read to Willie after his bath in Chapter 6?

3. Why hasn't Willie painted at school?

4. What happens to Tom, Willie, and Sammie on the way home from their walk in Chapter 2?

5. Why has Willie chosen to rise a bit earlier every day at the beginning of the "Birthday" chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the graveyard?

2. How has the war begun to affect the villagers?

3. How does Willie begin to fit in with the children and what affect does this have on him?

4. What do Willie and Rachel have in common, and how does it affect Tom in the "Birthday" chapter?

5. How is Willie's reaction to the squirrel and the dog telling of his character?

6. What is the meaning of the title of Chapter 4?

7. What are the signs that both Tom and Willie are healing?

8. What changes come over Tom as he takes Willie into town and spends the day with him?

9. Tom mutters to himself, "best not get fond of the boy, Thomas." Why do you believe that he says this, and what does he mean by it?

10. What "firsts" does Willie experience in the "Birthday" chapter and how does he respond to them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the death of Mrs. Beech both a blessing and a tragedy in regard to Tom and Willie?

Essay Topic 2

How does the main setting of the novel affect the storyline?

Essay Topic 3

Trace the relationship of Zach and the Littles from the time Zach arrives until the end of the novel. How did the relationship progress and what affect did it have on both parties?

(see the answer keys)

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