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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. Who does young Gwilym marry?

2. How old is Bronwen in the present time?

3. What happens to Marged in Chapter 15?

4. Who challenges Huw on his first day at the National School?

5. Who promises Huw that he will be well when the daffodils bloom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Beth go to a workers' meeting for in Chapter 6, and how does she get there?

2. Why does Angharad leave home in Chapter 5?

3. What is Huw doing at the beginning of the novel (as an adult)?

4. Describe Ianto.

5. How do Huw's brothers react to the trouble that brews at the colliery early on in the novel?

6. What causes Davy, Owen, and Gwilym to leave home in Chapter 5?

7. How does Gwilym make his relationship with Beth clear in Chapter 12?

8. How is the Pritchard murder dealt with?

9. How does the valley govern itself (i.e., upon what principles)?

10. How does Huw cope with being bedridden from his injuries from the fall in the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The themes of cruelty and unfairness are prominent in the novel. How are the themes of cruelty and unfairness reflected in the novel? Which characters are affected most acutely by cruelty and unfairness? Why? Make sure you answer each question with evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Depression plagues several characters in the novel at different times. How is the theme of depression reflected in the novel? What characters reflect the theme of depression? Why? Make sure you answer each question with evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The colliery is the center of much trouble throughout the novel, and the conservative and passionate characters often butt heads about how to deal with the trouble. Describe the colliery situation. How is the theme of justice reflected in the novel? Who is passionate for justice and why? How does this character's passion for justice affect others? Make sure you answer each question with evidence from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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