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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 rumor about Pavel circulates in the community?

2. Why do the three Marys often have to leave town?

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

4. Which of the following is not a quality that Jim believes the town girls possess?

5. What event is responsible for the lightened tone at the hotel?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the relationship between the Shimerdas and Krajiek

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

4. Describe Tiny Soderball's work and living environment

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

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

7. What change in Jim's life occurs in the first chapter of Book 2? How does it affect him?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes My Antonia explores is transformation or metamorphosis. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several 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 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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