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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 did Ned's mother not do after Ned went to war?

2. What is the name of the part of town where Cassie lives?

3. Who is Lucy's first daughter?

4. How old is Lucy at the beginning of the novel?

5. Who is the other slave who helps get Lady Marsden out of her home when Sherman's army arrives?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lucy first meet Castalia?

2. What was the purpose of the trip the family made in a new Model T Ford?

3. Who is Sal Smith and what role did he play in Will's life during the war?

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

5. What is Will's behavior at the site where Ned was killed?

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

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

8. How does Ned's mother react when Will visits her to talk about Ned's death?

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

10. To what does Will attribute Cassie's aloof demeanor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gurganus is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of loss.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

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