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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 is Aunt Ivy's perspective on Hattie's staying with them?

2. What does Hattie tie to the ring on the metal eye on the cabin?

3. Who does Hattie write to tell of her move to Montana?

4. Who is Chester?

5. What is Hattie's uncle Holt's actual relationship to Hattie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Chase and Mattie not stop in for their customary biscuits at Hattie's one day, and what does Hattie do?

2. Explain the situation that changes the friendly reception at the church for Hattie.

3. What neighbor does Hattie meet in the local grocery store and what does he tell her?

4. What does Leafie say about Traft Martin when Hattie sees Leafie at the dance?

5. What does Mr. Saboe announce?

6. What is the first homesteading lesson Hattie learns the next morning as she goes to draw water for her coffee?

7. What does Karl say Hattie needs to do about plowing, and how does Hattie feel about plowing?

8. Who has been Hattie's main supporters when she comes to live with Uncle Holt and Aunt Ivy?

9. How does Hattie make use of her petticoat that her aunt Ivy always insisted upon her wearing?

10. What is Hattie's newest challenge in homesteading, and how has Uncle Chester helped?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes "Hattie Big Sky" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Hattie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Perilee. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Traft Martin. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of "Hattie Big Sky" and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of "Hattie Big Sky" and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think "Hattie Big Sky" ends on a happy note? Why or why not.

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Hattie Big Sky" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this story is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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