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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. Of Hugh Wolfe, the narrator says in “Life in the Iron Mills,” “His soul within him was smothering to death; he wanted so much, thought so much, and knew” what?

2. Of whom does the narrator say Hugh had found “a Man all- knowing, all-seeing, crowned by Nature, reigning” in “Life in the Iron Mills”?

3. What deformity is Deborah said to be afflicted with in “Life in the Iron Mills”?

4. How many hands are employed at the iron mill where Hugh works in “Life in the Iron Mills”?

5. Hugh’s legs are describes as being ironed because he made how many attempts at escape from jail in “Life in the Iron Mills”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the moment of greatest hope in “Life in the Iron Mills”? How is this hope dashed?

2. How did Rebecca Harding meet L. Clarke Davis? Where did they first meet, according to the author of “A Biographical Interpretation”?

3. How would you describe the setting of “Life in the Iron Mills”? What tone is established through the story’s setting?

4. How is Hugh’s demeanor in the jail described in “Life in the Iron Mills”? What are Deborah’s impressions when she sees Hugh?

5. How is Hugh’s death described in “Life in the Iron Mills”? How does Hugh die?

6. How are the themes of poverty and class entrapment illustrated through the character of Hugh in “Life in the Iron Mills”?

7. How does the setting of “Life in the Iron Mills” relate metaphorically to the story’s main characters?

8. How is the setting described in “Life in the Iron Mills”? How does the setting in which the narrator exists differ from the setting of Deb and Hugh’s story?

9. What does Deb attempt to give Hugh after they return home from the mill in “Life in the Iron Mills”? How does Hugh respond?

10. What does Deb do when she returns home in the beginning of “Life in the Iron Mills”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the three named characters that visit the mill in the story (Kirby, Mitchell, and Dr. May). What do these characters have in common? How do they differ? In what ways do these characters drive the plot forward?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the characters of Dr. Manning and Jacky in “The Wife’s Story.” What about Jacky does Hester dislike? Why? How much older than Hester is Dr. Manning? How many children does Dr. Manning have from his first marriage?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of art and creation in “Life in the Iron Mills.” Which character in the story shows great talent? What is the author’s statement about this talent? How does this theme relate to the author’s biography?

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This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample