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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. Jayber thinks that people today are too _____________.

2. Jayber questions why _______________ always succeeds.

3. Who was Athey's father?

4. Who is Mattie's only surviving child?

5. What is especially poignant about Jayber's choosing the woman he does?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the dream Jayber has that includes many of his old friends.

2. What is the deep attraction that Jayber has for Mattie?

3. How does the author use the technique of foreshadowing regarding Jimmy?

4. What is the defining moment when Jayber commits himself silently to Mattie?

5. What are the sad circumstances that allow Jayber to spend more time with Mattie?

6. How do Jayber and Athey become good friends?

7. What are the forces that prompt Jayber to move to the river?

8. Where do Jayber and Mattie meet occasionally and what is the nature of their meetings?

9. What has happened in the Keith family that makes Troy feel as if he is free from any further obligations?

10. What lesson does the young Athey learn when his father puts him in charge of killing hogs one day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the atypical family in JAYBER CROW: A NOVEL. What does it mean that Jayber has taken on the town of Port William as his family? How does this unusual family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family mentality to most Southern families living during this time period?

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Athey Keith. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Athey?

Essay Topic 3

Loneliness seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of loneliness? Why does it have such a prevalent place in Jayber's life? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,034 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample