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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 can be said about Mattie's character?

2. Jayber feels that Cecelia Overhold and ________________ are the two loneliest people in town.

3. How does Cecelia interact with Jayber?

4. What does Jayber feel for Mattie?

5. Who is Athey's wife?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the author show that both Jayber and Athey are capable of having compassion even for people they do not like?

3. What seems to occupy much of Jayber's thoughts as he ages?

4. What does Jayber consider to be the biggest difference between Troy and Mattie?

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

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

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

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

9. What does Jayber realize as he begins to pray again?

10. How is Mattie's daughter killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the overall setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Berry choose to use these places in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Jayber's sense of spirituality as opposed to a belief in formal religion. Why is organized religion counter to Jayber's beliefs? Why is spirituality more akin to Jayber's sensibilities?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment and cite an example to support your answers.

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This section contains 878 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample