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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. Into what type of building does Jayber move?

2. Who is Athey's wife?

3. What does Jayber feel for Mattie?

4. Who calls to Jayber in a dream?

5. Why does Mattie ask Jayber to come to Athey's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Jayber's move to the cabin and how he feels about such a transition.

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

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

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

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

6. How does Jayber perceive that Troy is not worthy of being married to Mattie?

7. How does Jayber struggle by being married to Mattie in his heart only?

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

9. What does Jayber come to realize about the community and the inevitable changes in life?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Jayber's life. Will he still be alive? Who will be present in his life? Where will he be living? What will his thoughts about the world and religion be by this time? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the ongoing conflict between Jayber and Cecelia Overhold. What are the main sources of the conflict? Why does it perpetuate? What does Jayber learn about the source of Cecelia's true anger? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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