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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 does Mr. Shimerda promise to give Jim when he is older?

2. Which of the Harling children helps his/her father with the family business?

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

4. Which of the Shimerda children is considered most important by his parents?

5. What does Jake find under the manger in the barn where Mr. Shimerda's body is found?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Tiny Soderball's work and living environment

3. What confession does Pavel make to Mr. Shimerda on his death bed?

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

5. Why does Mrs. Shimerda ask Jim's grandfather to say a prayer during her husband's funeral?

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

7. Describe Jim's experiences when he is housebound due to illness

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

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

10. Describe Blind d'Arnault and his journey to become a pianist

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The influence of men on Antonia's development is a recurring topic in My Antonia. Select two of the following men and discuss the relationship between him and Antonia. Focus your discussion on the ways the the man does or does not influence her development in a positive way. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

1) Jim

2) Ambrosch

3) Mr. Shimerda

4) Larry Donovan

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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