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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 was Will's friend in the army?

2. Where does Lucy tell Will she and the children will wait for him at the lake?

3. What was the name of Lady Marsden's mansion?

4. What game did Lady Marsden play with the slaves?

5. What nickname does Lucy's father give her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Will terminate Cassie?

2. Why do most of the slaves remain at The Lilacs even after they are freed?

3. What physical and emotional changes occur in Will after visiting the lake where Ned was killed?

4. What is the initial relationship between Lucy and Castalia (Cassie)?

5. How did the slaves treat Lady Marsden after she was burned in the fire at The Lilacs?

6. Even though Lucy is younger than Will, how does she view him regarding his emotional war wounds?

7. Who was Lady Marsden and what were some of the things she was noted for?

8. Why is Lucy's wedding night especially difficult for Lucy on two levels?

9. Which person does Lucy select as the topic of her paper on the Civil War, and how does she glean her information?

10. What role do soap operas play in the nursing home where Lucy lives now?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Cassie. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her during her lifetime?

Essay Topic 2

Gurganus uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see his world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe some situation or location in the book using only your recall of Gurganus' descriptions.

Essay Topic 3

Memories take on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

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