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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. How did Blind d'Arnault's mother react to his blindness?

2. Where does Jim believe Mr. Shimerda's spirit goes after he dies?

3. Which of the Shimerdas did not want to immigrate to the United States?

4. Who sponsors the dance tent in Black Hawk?

5. How does Antonia differ from her brother Ambrosch?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Jim's first impressions of the Nebraska landscape. Why do you think he responds in this way?

2. What is significant about January 22 in this novel?

3. Why do the Shimerdas have difficulty getting Mr. Shimerda buried? Where is he ultimately interred?

4. What is a rattlesnake cane? What is its importance for the Burdens?

5. What reaction do the Harlings have to Antonia's interest in the dances in the tent?

6. How is Jim like the Shimerdas as they both travel to Nebraska?

7. Retell the story about Lena being responsible for Antonia's feelings about the girl.

8. Retell the story Antonia shares with Jim and the Harlings about the tramp and the thresher

9. Describe the Shimerda family (as they are introduced in Chapter 3)

10. Why do Jake and Ambrosch come to blows in Chapter 18?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role that the land plays in the lives of the characters in this novel is integral to its plot and themes. Pick two of the novel's characters and compare and contrast:

1) their relationship with the land

2) how the relationship develops

3) how they chose to demonstrate feelings about the land.

Be sure to use specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

The Shimerda family is complex. Discuss:

1) the personalities of each of the characters

2) the ways that they influence each other

3) the impact of the collective family on the story line.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In My Antonia a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select one of the following minor characters to analyze: Wick Cutter, Otto Fuchs, Tiny Soderball, Ambrosch Shimerda. Discuss:

1) The personality (character traits) of this character

2) The relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story

3) The impact of this character on the story line--How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

(see the answer keys)

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