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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 is unique about the suit Carol wears in Chapter 9?

2. In what month does Carol take control of her home?

3. What modern convenience does Dr. Kennicott recommend for the Dutch?

4. How is Dr. Kennicott's office described?

5. In Chapter 10, Carol prepares what in hopes of visitors?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Carol fight with her husband after her meeting with Guy Pollock?

2. When first Erik comes to town, why do people make fun of him? How does Carol react to this?

3. Why does Carol choose not to plan for a new home?

4. What does Carol discover as the only sensible response to the tyranny of any small town like Gopher Prairie?

5. How does Maud attempt to lure Dr. Kennicott to her home?

6. Through what club does Carol first feel like she might be able to make a difference in Gopher Prairie?

7. How does Dr. Kennicott react to Maud's invitation and why does he follow through?

8. What is Carol worried about when she leaves from first private talk with Guy Pollock?

9. Why does Carol start a dramatic society?

10. How does Carol imagine the war will affect Gopher Prairie's conversation? What is the actual outcome?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As an orphan and an outsider to Gopher Prairie, it appears as though Carol's life follows a path toward loneliness.

Part 1) How does the idea of loneliness appear in the novel?

Part 2) How does Carol react to loneliness?

Part 3) Does Carol run from loneliness or invite it?

Essay Topic 2

Upon moving to Gopher Prairie, Carol makes snap judgments about the citizens who live there, based on the words of a few.

Part 1) What misconceptions does Carol make about the citizens of Gopher Prairie?

Part 2) What are moments in the text where Carol realizes she was too hasty a judge?

Part 3) How does Carol's opinion of the citizens of Gopher Prairie change as she gets to know them?

Essay Topic 3

In order to avoid facing the dull reality of her life, Carol often relies on fantasy. Discuss the various fantasies Carol puts to use to make her life in Gopher Prairie bearable.

(see the answer keys)

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