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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. Who runs the tavern now that Mr. Meeker is gone?

2. Who is the only person who can change Sam's verdict?

3. Where is Tim hit with a musket ball as he runs away?

4. What does Tim think about Sam's being taken away as a cattle thief?

5. There really was a ____________ family in Redding.

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Tim's options when faced with the critical decision after his father disappears?

2. Why is this chapter so graphic in its description and abrupt end?

3. What impact has the war had on Mother as seen through Tim's eyes?

4. What effort did Sam make to try to save Father after he heard about his capture?

5. What is General Putnam's final decision regarding clemency for Sam?

6. What happens to Tim and Mother after the war is over?

7. How has Mother evolved in the story to this point?

8. How does Tim exhibit that he has the qualities to become the man of the house?

9. Describe the reunion of Sam, Tim and Mother.

10. What are the circumstances surrounding Tim's transition from a child to an adult?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the war wages on, Tim becomes less enamored of the glory he had hoped to have one day and focuses on the reality of surviving. Explain why Tim's efforts at home were just as noble as Sam's in the field.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the life of the Meeker family at the beginning of the book. Include their occupation, their home life and family members. How do these elements evolve as the story progresses to the end?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,117 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample