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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. When Spiro brings the mail, what does the bulk of Margo's mail consist of?

2. Whose room do the magpies that Gerry takes from the nest disrupt?

3. What is wrong with Theodore's friend's house when another floor is added?

4. At the snow-white villa, what does Gerry get on intimate terms with?

5. What is the name of the black-backed gull Gerry acquires from the criminal?

Short Essay Questions

1. What battle between a gecko and mantis takes place in Gerry's room? What is the outcome?

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

3. What two ways did Peter teach Gerry English?

4. What is Margo's reaction to Peter having to leave the island because they are getting too close?

5. What intriguing creature did Gerry find in the crumbling wall, and why did this upset Larry?

6. How does Gerry describe the Chessboard Fields?

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

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

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

10. The moon did not shine the night of Mother's inaugural swim. What lit up the night in the air and in the water?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gerry's education, or lack thereof, is almost a constant consideration of Mother's and the family. Throughout the book, Gerry has several tutors, George, the Belgian consul, Peter, and Mr. Kralefsky. Compare and contrast their methods of trying to tutor Gerry. How did Gerry teach them?

Essay Topic 2

Spiro had a belligerent side and a loveable one too. The taxi drivers and customs officials felt his wrath, while the Durrell family only received his love and kindness. Compare and contrast these too very different sides of Spiro.

Essay Topic 3

The Rose-Beetle Man was a very interesting character to Gerry. What was the tone in the beginning of Part I: Chapter 3, The Rose-Beetle Man with the introduction of his character? What was the tone set by the Gerry the last time he saw the Rose-Beetle Man? How does the tone differ, and how is this difference conveyed?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 769 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample