View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What job does Ben have?

2. How old is Eugene in chapter 22?

3. Who does Ben work for?

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

5. Oliver Gant became an apprentice in what trade?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the effect going to the Leonard's school has on Eugene.

2. Briefly describe Ben's attitude about the war.

3. What do you think Eugene's laughter at the funeral home signifies?

4. Briefly describe Mr. Leonard.

5. In what ways does Steve reflect his father's personality?

6. Why do you think all of the Gant boys seem to want to go to war?

7. What is the significance of Eugene going to Virginia?

8. An underlying theme of the book is Eugene's developing attitudes toward the role of sex in his life. How do you think the fact that he grew up at Dixieland effected his life attitudes?

9. Is there any significance to the fact that Helen is the one who takes Gant to Baltimore for treatment of his cancer?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Highlight some of the events in the book which cast a favorable light on Oliver Gant? Explain why you feel each example is a positive reflection.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 931 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample