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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. Which of the following does NOT characterize Jim's grandparents?

2. What nickname is Antonia given?

3. What one item must all of the Shimerdas share during the winter?

4. Why does Anton Jelinek believe the Shimerdas are not concerned about having a priest perform Mr. Shimerda's funeral?

5. To whom are Pavel and Peter indebted?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do the Shimerdas react when the Burdens bring them supplies during the cold winter?

3. How does Mrs. Shimerda act when she and Antonia visit the Burdens after the thaw? How does Jim respond to her?

4. Does Antonia attend school? Why or why not?

5. Describe Jim's encounter with the rattlesnake as he and Antonia return from Russian Peter's

6. Describe the relationship between the Shimerdas and Krajiek

7. Describe Tiny Soderball's work and living environment

8. How does the Hardings' household change when Mr. Harling comes home from work?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death plays an important role in this novel. Write an essay:

1) describing the ways death is portrayed in the novel

2) examining the significance of death in the plot and character development

3) arguing what you believe the author is trying to say about mortality through the novel.

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

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes My Antonia explores is perseverance. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In the inscription for My Antonia Willa Cather quotes Virgil (Optima dies . . . prima fugit," or the best days are the first to flee). Discuss the significance of this quote for the novel as a whole. Why do you think the author chose this inscription? What commentary is she making?

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

(see the answer keys)

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