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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. The Rosickys' kitchen was full of the smell of what?

2. Rosicky complains that though he is getting to be an old man he's not what yet?

3. How many countries has Rosicky lived in?

4. Rosicky subscribed for Bohemian papers printed where?

5. Rosicky claims he was short of breath doing what last summer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Anton when his mother died?

2. Why doesn't Rosicky agree to go with Rudolph to the movies when Polly suggests it to him?

3. What makes Polly want to drop her head on Rosicky's shoulder?

4. What does Rosicky do when he stops by the windmill on his walk home from Rudolph and Polly's home?

5. When Doctor Burleigh tells Rosicky that he has a bad heart, what is Rosicky's excuse for feeling short of breath?

6. What are the two years of his youth that Rosicky doesn't like to remember?

7. How did Rosicky end up in New York?

8. Describe Polly's appearance when Rosicky brings the car to her and Rudolph's house.

9. What does Rosicky do that makes Polly run to aid him?

10. Why does Rosicky tell the boys he isn't going to let them have the car for a while?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Willa Cather uses flashbacks often in her story, "Neighbor Rosicky". What benefit to the reader do the flashbacks provide? What connections to Rosicky did you feel after reading the flashback sections? Do you think Cather used the flashbacks too much, too little, or just right? Why? How would the story be different if there were no flashbacks provided?

Essay Topic 2

During the opening lines of the story, "Neighbor Rosicky", we are introduced to Doctor Ed Burleigh. Describe Rosicky and Doctor Burleigh's relationship. Would you consider their relationship to be strictly a doctor and patient connection? Why or why not? How does Doctor Ed feel about Rosicky? How does Rosicky feel about Doctor Ed? What kind of dynamic does their relationship bring to the story?

Essay Topic 3

When Rosicky looks back on his life, he doesn't like to think about the two years he spent in London. We first read about his look back on his life in New York. Later in the story Rosicky does reflect on his time in London. Why do you think he finally lets his mind run free and remember the two years he would like to forget? Why did he relate the story of the goose to his whole family when he couldn't bear to remember these hard years?

(see the answer keys)

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