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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. How many miles was it from the rich farm to the Rosicky's place?

2. How old is Rosicky?

3. How many miles has Mr. Rosicky gone before he comes to the graveyard?

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

5. What is the name of Rosicky's oldest son?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Rosicky end up in New York?

2. Why is Rosicky so fond of his boys?

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

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

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

6. What have Mary and Anton agreed upon about life?

7. When the doctor picks ups his stethoscope, why does he frown?

8. Why didn't Mary want to sell more cream when the creamery agent tried to persuade them otherwise?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the simple things that Anton Rosicky enjoys in life. Does this make Rosicky an easy target for neighbors and townspeople to ridicule him? Why? Do you think Rosicky cares what other people are saying about him and his simplicity? Does Rosicky find ultimate joy in the simplicity of his life? If so, how? What simple things does Mary learn to enjoy from Anton? Do you think Mary helps Anton appreciate the simplicity of his life? How? Does Anton's family share the same simple life views? Does Doctor Ed share these views?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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