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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. After dumping piles of used bandages into a pit, how many patients does Alexander Kirkpatrick's wife tell the surgeon he has waiting for the day?

2. Where is the battle that Catesby and Samuel Gatewood's son are fighting in Part II, Chapter 19?

3. After attending church in Part I, Chapter 9, who begs Jack to put in a good word with Samuel Gatewood?

4. In the letter that he writes from camp, where does Catesby urge his wife to stay?

5. What is Alexander quickly set up as in his new regiment because of his education and ability?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens at the military institute, where Duncan is present to hear a speech, which causes a fight?

2. What happens to Duncan's horse, Gypsy, during the battle in Chancellorsville?

3. How much money is Silas going to sell Maggie for as incentive for Ellam to treat her with some respect until time for the sale?

4. What happens to Duncan during the big battle at McDowell?

5. How does Opal help Uther Botkin with his daughter and his farm?

6. What does a superior officer say to Duncan and his fellow cadets after they rush to get their weapons and regain their honor when the Union cadets pick a fight with them?

7. Why did Sallie marry Alexander Kirkpatrick in a hasty marriage?

8. What does Catesby lose after playing cards in Part I, Chapter 11?

9. What is Jesse's new job in Part III, Chapter 31, at the hospital?

10. Why is the woman at the beginning of Part I, Chapter 1, traveling the countryside?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters in "Jacob's Ladder" have an air of desperation about them and perform desperate acts. Examine the concept of desperation and discuss how it pertains to the characters in the novel. How could someone become desperate during times of war? What characters in the novel seem desperate at this point in the story? Who does not seem desperate? How can this desperation be brought on by some characters having to do uncharacteristic things?

Essay Topic 2

Duncan and Midge have a tumultuous relationship, which is a very important conflict in "Jacob's Ladder". Analyze Midge and Duncan's relationship and its overall effect on the story. Where are they from? How did they meet? What do they look like? How do they feel about each other? Do they trust each other?

Essay Topic 3

Alexander and Sallie are hastily married and they both have conflicting feelings about it. They are both important characters to the story. Examine Alexander and Sallie's relationship throughout the story. How did Alexander and Sallie meet? Is Sallie nervous about taking Alexander home to meet her family? Why? How does Alexander feel about being married compared to how Sallie feels? Why do Alexander and Sallie grow apart? Do they ever get a divorce?

(see the answer keys)

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