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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 war mean for Tim?

2. Where does Tim put the letter as he heads out?

3. The Meekers do not talk about _________.

4. What will happen to Sam if the soldiers see him at the tavern?

5. What has happened to Mr. Meeker's newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of obedience in the novel?

2. What is the religious split in Redding?

3. What web of lies is Tim weaving related to working for Mr. Heron?

4. How is the author showing how Tim is more like Sam than he might want to think?

5. In addition to uncertainty, how is powerlessness an important element in what the people of Redding are experiencing?

6. What is Tim's position regarding Sam's taking Father's gun?

7. How does Tim feel about going on the trip with Father?

8. How does the author use religion as a theme in this book?

9. How do Father and Tim interact now that Sam is gone?

10. How involved in the war is Redding in the summer of 1775?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character description of Tim Meeker. What are his motivations and convictions? What are his character flaws? In what ways is he heroic?

Essay Topic 2

Why is Sam's sudden appearance at the Meeker Tavern so unsettling? Where is Sam supposed to be? How is he dressed? What is his demeanor?

Essay Topic 3

What is the symbolism of Tim's trip to Verplancks Point with his father? What does he encounter? What decisions is he forced to make? How is this another turning point for Tim?

(see the answer keys)

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