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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. The original idea to pen the deer was that of ...

2. The Eppys want to come to Jerome's because...

3. Jim Hinkle would like Jerome to ...

4. Emma Lou arrives with the news that...

5. Donald and Emma Lou are...

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it about the spotted skunks that is special?

2. Why are Jerome Kildee's nerves frayed at this time? There is more than one reason.

3. Poor Jerome is discouraged. How do we know this?

4. Is there some symbolism in Jerome experiencing the huge storm that moved his redwood tree?

5. How does Monarch respond to his new freedom? Is he typical of a deer?

6. Discuss Emma Lou's response to the discovery that Donald has been visiting Jerome. How is Jerome affected?

7. What can the reader deduce about Jerome's cooking skills? Why?

8. Emma Lou's life is busier than today's students'. Describe her day and compare it to your own.

9. Discus Jerome's developing attitude toward Donald. Why does he not go ahead and welcome Donald to come visit?

10. Why does Jerome decide to give Emma money for Christmas, rather than a gift?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jerome Kildee is a lonely man. Do you think he is lonely by choice? Do you think he is socially distant because of the kind of work he has done? What kind of person purposely attempts to be reclusive?

Essay Topic 2

There are many clues throughout the story that suggest that Donald Cabot comes from a wealthy family, including his dog who is of the "bluest blood." Do a careful reading and determine what kind of people the Cabots are, and what kind of kid Donald is. Is he spoiled and indulged? Does he take for granted his resources and his family's position? Prove your point with text.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Emma Lou seem to want all of these animals to be at Jerome's? Rather than chasing them away, she wants the families to have nests, and even secretly wants Monarch to live with him. Explore the passages in the story where the author makes it obvious that Emma Lou is encouraging this awkward situation. Is this totally self-centered on her part? Does she care about what Jerome wants?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,058 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample