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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. Who does Jim see as the inspiration for all poetry?

2. What does Rudolph tell Jim was the source of much conflict between the Cutters?

3. Who does Jim invite on a hunting trip in the Fall?

4. Where does Jim stay when he is in Lincoln?

5. What character in "Camille" does Jim consider most sympathetic?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Polish violin teacher attempt to determine Jim's intentions with Lena? How does he react to Jim's response?

2. What feelings does Antonia share with Jim as they wait for the others to arrive at the river? How does Jim reassure her?

3. How does Jim describe the experience of going to the theatre?

4. How does dancing with Lena differ from dancing with Antonia in Jim's mind?

5. Describe Jim's visit to Black Hawk in this chapter

6. What part of Camille most affects Jim?

7. Summarize the story Rudolph tells about the Cutters.

8. What event occurs as Jim stays at the Cutters' home?

9. How does Jim's grandmother react to Jim attending dances at the Fireman's Hall? How does Jim respond?

10. What does Jim see on the wall of the photographer's studio? How does this affect him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The settings used in My Antonia almost serve as characters in the novel. Select three of the settings in the novel and:

1) discuss the impact of the setting on the plot development

2) discuss the impact of the setting on the characters

3) the ways that the narrator personifies the setting

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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