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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 has saved Jason when he is injured by the bull moose?

2. What does Jason decide to do about getting supplies?

3. What happens at a narrow part of the river?

4. From where is Charlie originally?

5. What happens to Jason's dog while they are fighting bear?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jason see Jamie again?

2. How does Jason's initial attempt to see Jamie go?

3. What mars Jason meeting up with Jack again?

4. What do Jason and Charlie do when they leave the area of the cabin?

5. What are others doing with the caribou and what does Jason do?

6. What does Jason notice about the world around him as he is paddling, what does he see for the first time and what does he decide to do?

7. How does Jason find his brothers and what kind of prank does he decide to play?

8. How does Jason find the bear?

9. What mistake does Jason make with a bull moose and what is the result?

10. What lies ahead on the river, who manages to pass it and how does the crowd feel about him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Jason and Barker. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Jack London and Charlie. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Jason's Gold help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

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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