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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 Hattie realize about Traft that softens her attitude towards him momentarily?

2. Where does Leafie invite Hattie?

3. Who does Leafie say she'll talk to on Elmer's behalf?

4. What game is played on Independence Day?

5. How does Chase help in the threshing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hattie help Mr. Ebgard?

2. What does Hattie think about after witnessing events at the Ren homestead?

3. What does Hattie's next installment describe?

4. What do they have to do with the new baby since she is premature?

5. How does Hattie acquire chickens and what does she have to do to keep them safe?

6. Why does Traft say about the fire in Hattie's barn when he comes by to see her after the July 4th picnic?

7. What happens when Hattie voices her concern about a pledge of one hundred dollars?

8. What has Perilee asked of Karl concerning the harassment of them because Karl is German?

9. What does Charlie write to Hattie in a somber letter?

10. Who comes to help Hattie with the threshing and how does Chase contribute?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Hattie Big Sky". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Larson chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in "Hattie Big Sky". Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Larson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Larson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Larson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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