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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 does Mr. Torch tell the Fox kids that Allie could do for a living?

2. How old are the twins?

3. The Spellgoods are met by choir girls wearing what color?

4. What is the length of the rubber seal that Allie asks for at the store?

5. What does Drainy use to make toys out of wire hangers?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Allie come to own Jeronimo?

2. How do the Foxes spend their first day off from work in six weeks?

3. How does Allie feel about American public schools?

4. What is Allie's work ethic for himself and his crew?

5. What reason does Allie give for why he doesn't believe in God?

6. Why does Allie refuse to buy the rubber seal at the hardware store?

7. Describe the condition that the Foxes leave their house in when they depart for the shore.

8. Why do the migrant workers visit the Foxes after dinner in Chapter 7?

9. Why does Allie force Mr. Struss to leave his village?

10. Why does Mr. Haddy's boat's motor catch on a rock?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is it ironic that Allie tries to bring technology to Honduras? Why is the family's dependence on technology significant to the novel?

Essay Topic 2

"The Mosquito Coast" uses symbolism a bit. Explore the symbolism behind the mirror, the toilet seat, and the chisel that Allie gives to a group of Indians. What does each object represent and what do they represent as a whole?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Allie seems to change the past when retelling prior events. Choose two or three of those instances to write about. Why do you think Allie does this? Does he believe his own lies or is he simply trying to manipulate his party?

(see the answer keys)

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