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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 is Kralefsky's special interest?

2. Who are Widdle and Puke?

3. What does Gerry name the gecko that takes up residence in his bedroom?

4. What are the Chessboard Fields named after?

5. What does Mother name her Dandy Dinmont?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two ways did Peter teach Gerry English?

2. At the end of Part III: Chapter 13, The Snow-White Villa, why does Theodore ponder the idea of having the toads swallow swords?

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

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

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

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

7. How did Gerry apply psychology to get his family on board with the idea of him getting a boat for his birthday?

8. Kosti warns Gerry about Alecko too late, as Gerry is already stroking his feathers. Alecko does not fuss. What does this say about Gerry's character?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways was Spiro the Durrell family's guardian throughout the book? Cite examples throughout the book. Why did Spiro choose to take on the family to look after?

Essay Topic 2

Gerry is very descriptive of seasons, people, events, and places on Corfu. Why do you think he chose such elaborate detail for his book? Do you think this helps the reader get a better picture of what is going on? Do you think the description is distracting to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

The Durrell family children, although siblings, are all very unique in their own ways. Select two of the Durrell children and compare and contrast their characteristics. For example, what affect has Mother's parenting played in their attitudes?

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