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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. Meridian's thoughts are compared to ______________.

2. Why does Tommy Odds berate Truman?

3. Meridian's mother says that only _____________ wouldn't want her own baby.

4. Under what kind of tree does Meridian bury the object in #34?

5. Who collapses after taking the children to see the exhibit at the circus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Meridian when she finally succumbs to Truman's advances?

2. Why does Truman go to Meridian while still being married to Lynne?

3. Why do the girls not see that cutting down The Sojourner is a self destructive act?

4. What is the irony of Lynne's character regarding being oppressed?

5. What is the significance of Meridian leaving her railroad cap for Truman when she leaves?

6. What is significant about the TV program that Lynne and Meridian watch in terms of discrimination against women?

7. What is a second important theme in the book which arises with the spectacle of the mummy?

8. What is the sad story of the young girl in prison for killing her baby?

9. Why is guilt so prevalent in Meridian's life and how does it begin?

10. What is ironic about what the government does with Mr. Hill's farm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Truman Held. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him, if anything, at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Meridian, Truman and Lynne. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, socialization, and any other key attributes.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

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This section contains 949 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample