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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 Jason think is a daunting sight when Jason first sees them?

2. How heavy is the outfit?

3. In what year does this book begin?

4. Who does Jason first see when he wakes after being sick?

5. What did a man receive that was fake that Jason notices?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jason know about his brothers?

2. What does Jason use his earnings for and why does he end up collapsed on the trail?

3. Upon what ship is Jason stowed away on, what does he hear and what can he not know because of the noise?

4. What kind of fantasy does Jason think about and what does he think his brothers will do about the news?

5. How does Jason get a canoe?

6. How does Jason keep himself going and what do some people he meets want to know about his dog?

7. What do Jamie and Homer do that amazes the crowds and what does Homer say about the location?

8. Where does Jason go in Chapter 13, what does he get and what does he do with it?

9. What does Jason see when he arrives in Skagway and what is the cost of living?

10. What does Jason think could stand in his way besides the weather?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many people were running from their problems, such as jobs they hated, marriages which were bad or escaping from relatives they did not like, by leaving for the gold fields. Many realized very quickly that no matter how far they ran their character flaws were always there.

1. Running from problems by going somewhere else is called a "geographic cure." Discuss what do you think this means.

2. Do you believe taking the geographic cure is a good idea or a bad idea? Why or why not? Could it be different depending on the circumstance?

3. Discuss two situations that might respond well to a geographic cure and two that wouldn't be helped with on. Does Jason's determination to go to the gold field seem like a geographical cure? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Just when Hawthorn is at his lowest, something happens or someone arrives to give him a boost or some kind of assistance. In chapter twelve, it was London who came to the rescue. In chapter thirteen, Hawthorn is buoyed by the sight of Jamie and Homer and then again when he is able to buy the canoe. Hawthorn's hope is restored.

1. Research narrative contrivance and decide if some of the "miraculous" interventions in Jason's life might qualify as such. Give your reasons why you do or do not believe the events are narrative contrivance. Use examples from Jason's Gold and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think in the present time people would be as kind and generous as some of the people are to Jason in this story? Why or why not? Use examples from Jason's Gold and your own life to support your answer.

3. How important do you think hope is in the course of people's daily lives? Why or why not? Use examples from Jason's Gold and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Jason's Gold, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy (or at least optimistic) 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?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Jason's Gold" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Jason's Gold" 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?

(see the answer keys)

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