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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. Jerome needs a walk, but he sits, instead, because...

2. Why is Jerome not enjoying the spring weather?

3. Jerome thinks Emma may suspect that...

4. Jerome is waiting for Emma Lou to...

5. Jerome cleans up spots on the floor with...

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jerome generate the spirit of Christmas in preparation for the party? Again, compare this to a Christmas party you might have at home.

2. Discuss Jerome's scheme. Was he taking a risk? Why, or why not?

3. Why does Donald choose to go to the country school where Emma goes? Does he have hidden motives?

4. How do Jim Hinkle and Jerome become friends?

5. Why has Donald come to visit Jerome?

6. What becomes clear about Donald's need to compete with Emma Lou? What is his problem with her?

7. Discuss Donald's idea for solving Jerome's animal population explosion.

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

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

10. What new thing does the reader learn about Jerome Kildee in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the Kildee House story is involved with wild animals. Find the ways in which the author uses the animals as symbolism, and to draw parallels to human life.

Essay Topic 2

The two children in the story, Emma Lou Eppy and Donald Roger Cabot, are sworn enemies who deliberately think of ways to hurt one another. Is this an example of normal adolescent flirtation, or is there something more that separates the two children? What makes them so different from one another? Is there an underlying cause, besides a difference of opinion about hunting?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the first real turning point in the story that bonds Kildee and Emma Lou, and drives an even more severe wedge between Emma Lou and Donald Cabot. What is the real source of Emma's and Jerome's grief? Why do they become so upset to lose one of the raccoons, when they have so many to enjoy? What qualities have they assigned to Charmine? Why do they not grieve, for example, the death of the pack rats who are killed by skunks?

(see the answer keys)

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