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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 does Oliver sell to Eliza?

2. Who do Eliza and Oliver partner with?

3. What does Ben really want to do?

4. Who does Helen and Luke live with at this stage in the book (Part 2, Chapter 19)?

5. What is the family's reaction when he returns?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think is the significance of Ben's abrupt disappearance in the final chapter?

2. How would you describe Ben?

3. Briefly describe Eugene's experience as a paper boy.

4. Why do you think visiting prostitutes is important to Eugene as he is finishing college?

5. How do you think this chapter (24) reflects the heart of the Leonards as educators.

6. Briefly explain why Helen's wedding at the Presbyterian church is important.

7. The Gant family is quite dysfunctional how do you think this issue is reflected in the lives of the children?

8. Briefly describe Eugene's relationship with Guy Doak.

9. What is unusual about Gant's involvement in the temperance movement?

10. Why do you think Helen rants against her father following Ben's funeral?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prostitutes are a constant and seemingly important part of the lives of the men of the Gant family. Explain all of the ways you think this vice contributed to the negative tone of much of the book.

Essay Topic 2

Outline the different social classes that are evident in the southern culture as it is described in the book. Explain how Eugene related to these different social classes.

Essay Topic 3

Steve the eldest son of Eliza and Gant is portrayed as developing more of Gant's negative traits than the other boys. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal? Fully explain your answer.

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