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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 would Rosicky and his chum have after the performances?

2. Why did the loft where Rosicky lived smell good?

3. How did Rosicky learn English?

4. What kind of instrument did Zichec play?

5. What day did the young Rosicky find out what was "the matter with him"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rudolph tell his father after his father says that if they have plenty to eat and water to clean then they don't have it hard?

2. What was the worst thing Rosicky had come upon in his journey through the world?

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

4. Why did Polly marry Rudolph and how did they know each other?

5. What does Rosicky do when he leaves Doctor Burleigh's office?

6. What happened when Anton tried to find his cousin in London?

7. When the doctor arrived for breakfast at the Rosicky home, what did the children help him with?

8. What is the biggest difference between Mary and Anton?

9. What does Rosicky reflect on as he is looking out his window and listening to the wind blow?

10. What happens after the Rosicky family have supper in Part 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story of "Neighbor Rosicky", there is an underlying theme of pride. Rosicky has great pride in his family, in his profession, and in his land. Why does Rosicky feel pride for his family? Why does he feel pride for his land? Why is Rosicky proud of the choice he made to come to the country and farm the land? Does Rosicky's pride seem boastful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample