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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 tipped Lucy Elizabeth's decision to leave Audrey?

2. How longs does Lucy Elizabeth intend to live with Uncle Allen?

3. Why do Oluf and Lucy Elizabeth stop their correspondence?

4. According to everyone in town, where was Annie Grigsby born?

5. Why did Lucy Elizabeth feel jealous of Aunt Goldie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why don't Hal and Charlie get along?

2. Who finally bought Uncle Etch's glass coffin?

3. Why has Uncle Charlie chosen never to leave the house?

4. What are Russell's memories of the women's work in Morrisonville?

5. What are some of the reasons Ida Rebecca dislikes Lucy Elizabeth?

6. How does the author describe his mother's attitude toward men?

7. What has happened to Russell's mother?

8. When does Russell decide to become a writer?

9. What is ironic about Russell's first appearance in print?

10. Who is Aunt Pat and why is Russell fond of her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though the novel is written by Russell, Lucy plays a huge role throughout the work. Who do you think is the novel's main character, Russell or Lucy? Be sure to examine the story's plot and style before coming to a decision. Be prepared to support your answer with textually based arguments.

Essay Topic 2

One of the central themes of the work is Lucy's need for Russell to "make something of himself." How, throughout the novel, does she make him attempt to do so? What specific jobs does he have? What kinds of things does she teach him? Give examples of Lucy's quest from the text, explaining how each may have helped spur Russell on to the next step.

Essay Topic 3

For most of Russell's life, Lucy has been his ultimate teacher. What happened to their relationship when he begins to surpass her education? Examine the subtleties between mother and son, including the Latin translation incident. What is young Russell trying to prove to his mother? Does Lucy recognize Russell's behavior? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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