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 symbolism does David observe at the graveside services?

2. How does David feel about their life in North Dakota that first winter?

3. For what crime does Wesley say there is evidence that Frank committed?

4. What does Wesley do as he comes into the kitchen?

5. Where does David live as an adult?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Enid hear that causes her to start crying?

2. How does Julian respond to the situation about Frank?

3. What reason does Wesley give for withdrawing from the Sheriff's election?

4. What does Wesley do after coming out of the basement and talking to Frank?

5. What does Gail want Wesley to find out concerning Marie's funeral and why does she want to know this?

6. What is the story circulating about Frank's death?

7. Which person that knew the truth about Frank had strokes later?

8. Why does David think his father has been crying?

9. What does Wesley tell David to do if there is any trouble?

10. What does David say about his life in North Dakota?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Montana 1948. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of justice in Montana 1948. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters encourage justice? Which characters ignore justice? How is justice finally resolved?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of prejudice in Montana 1948. Who is prejudice? How is that prejudice shown? What symbols does Watson use to represent prejudice? How is prejudice shown in a subtle way? Overtly?

Essay Topic 2

David will come to believe that his uncle Frank is the entire problem. He needs to realize that his grandfather's attitude about Frank is a problem, too.

1. Discuss reasons you think David believes all the problems of the family is the fault of Frank. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the reasons that much of the dysfunction in the Hayden family originates from Julian. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the ways Julian could have changed the way he raised Frank that might have kept his son from being the adult he becomes? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

1. Identify the term "theme" as it pertains to a story.

2. Analyze one major theme of Montana 1948. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Analyze two secondary themes of Montana 1948. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 746 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample