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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 gives Spiro a weak stomach?

2. Who are Widdle and Puke?

3. What event gets Margo out of the attic?

4. What are the Chessboard Fields named after?

5. How many baby magpies does Gerry take from the nest?

Short Essay Questions

1. The Belgian consul exterminated emaciated cats as a humane act of kindness. What does Gerry think about this?

2. Why was Gerry initially suspicious when his family told him his new tutor, Mr. Kralefsky, was interested in birds?

3. What two ways did Peter teach Gerry English?

4. In Part II: Conversation, how does Gerry describe the arrival of spring?

5. What does the introduction of Dodo say about Mother's character?

6. How are Dodo and Margo alike?

7. Why did Gerry's trips to the archipelago in the Sea Cow become less frequent?

8. Why are the Durrells having a party in Part 3?

9. Gerry's magpies, or magenpies, are from the crow tribe of birds. How do they live up to the crow tribe stereo type in the Durrell family house, especially in Larry's room?

10. How did Mr. Kralefsky's tall tales of saving ladies from danger get him two broken ribs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On the second morning at the Strawberry-Pink Villa, Larry is disturbed by a donkey braying. He requires someone, besides himself, to remedy the problem. When Leslie asks why they should handle it when it is not bothering them, Larry calls the family selfish, and blames Mother for bringing them up that way. Do you agree with Larry's assessment of the family? Why or why not? Do you agree that it is Mother's fault? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Dr. Theodore Stephanides is socially awkward, especially with greeting people and then parting ways. Discuss your theory as to why he has this social awkwardness.

Essay Topic 3

One theme throughout the book is that of discovery. Every chapter is filled with numerous natural history finds by Gerry, whether they be in the garden, countryside, or at Theodore's home. From chapter to chapter, each discovery seems more exciting than the next. Explain the series and succession of Gerry's natural history discoveries and how they exemplify the theme of discovery.

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