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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 Hattie go over to talk to Perilee?

2. What does Hattie suggest they do for the new Mueller baby on the way?

3. Who is Chester?

4. How does Hattie's uncle Holt surprise Hattie?

5. What does Mr. Saboe announce at dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. With what does Perilee leave Hattie as they drop her off at her new home, and what does Hattie give her in return?

2. Describe the interaction between Traft and Hattie on April 2.

3. Who arrives to pick Mattie up in Wolf Point, and why do they spend the night there?

4. Where does Hattie go on Sunday where she has not yet been, and how is she initially greeted?

5. What happens when Hattie is sixteen that jeopardizes her finishing school?

6. What does Mr. Saboe announce?

7. Describe Hattie's initial plowing efforts.

8. How does Leafie stop some men from running the Mueller's cow to death?

9. What happens when Perilee and the children go with Hattie to church?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Hattie Big Sky".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of the story. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of the novel. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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