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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 simple act does Robbie's grandfather say is "doing much good" (6) as far as he is concerned?

2. What health issues was Robbie's grandfather just beginning to deal with during the critical period?

3. What does Robbie's grandfather "advise" and "implore"(5) him to do regarding J.?

4. What does Robbie's grandfather say he and his wife would have had to have been in order to make any change pre-election?

5. In what way does Robbie's grandfather say they can help him if need be at the end of his letter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why would it have been fruitless for Robbie's grandfather to "harangue the officials" (5) in Waterville?

2. What happened in the dream Robbie's grandfather had the night before writing the letter?

3. Why were "those on the other side" (5) so wiling to try to tear down the system?

4. What realization does Robbie's grandfather have at the end of his letter, which he knows must make the situation that much harder for Robbie?

5. What language does Robbie's grandfather use to describe the president, particularly when explaining why he did not think things could go so far?

6. What does Robbie's grandfather say about organizing marches when discussing what he could have done during the critical period?

7. In the end, what does Robbie's grandfather "advise" and "implore" (5) Robbie to do regarding J.? Why?

8. Robbie's grandfather cites a list of things the happened post-election, including a series of pardons. What other things does he list?

9. What "crude metaphor" (4) does Robbie's grandfather use to explain how he and his wife and others became inured to what was happening?

10. What sort of help does Robbie's grandfather offer to Robbie if he needs it at the end of his letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of the past, present, and change and discuss how the letter explores these themes.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Saunders’s focus on the theme of regret as presented in the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring G., M., and J. Who are they? Why are they significant to the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 767 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample