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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 do Jim and Jake go to pick up from Ambrosch in Chapter 18?

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

3. Which of the following is not a detail about Antonia that Mrs. Steavens shares with the Burdens?

4. Why do the Shimerdas remain involved with Krajiek?

5. Why does Jim think Antonia acts superior to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Peter and Pavel

2. Describe the relationship between the Shimerdas and Krajiek

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe the gifts that Jim and his grandparents give to the Shimerdas for Christmas.

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

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

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 topics My Antonia explores is the role and impact of community on the individual. Discuss what the novel has to say about this topic. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

There are several characters who influence the person that the narrator becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on his development and:

1) describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Jim

2) discuss the impact of this character on Jim's life and personality

3) discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Jim than others?

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

(see the answer keys)

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