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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 does Perilee say she is too busy to do?

2. Who is Plug?

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

4. How many rods have been planted in Hattie's absence?

5. How does Hattie describe Plug?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who helps Hattie in the field the next day and how does he respond to her thanks?

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

5. What does the letter from Hattie's uncle Chester say?

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

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

8. What are Hattie's two animals like?

9. Describe Hattie's initial plowing efforts.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Hattie Big Sky". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Hattie Big Sky". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Hattie Big Sky". Consider not only the physical deaths but the death of innocence or the death of ignorance.

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

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Kirby Larson.

2. What in Kirby Larson's background may have helped her in writing "Hattie Big Sky"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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