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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 job does Cassie's mother have to do when sold to the Marsdens?

2. What does Maimie put in Bianca's hair as a treatment?

3. What does Lucy do when she hears of Ned's injury?

4. How many men has Will killed?

5. Where does Baby plan to run away to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author show that Lucy is weary of Will's war stories?

2. What was the fate of Cassie and her parents?

3. Describe Lucy and Will's separation after Ned's accident.

4. What prevents Lucy from leaving with the children?

5. What is the story of the woman at the train station which makes Lucy change her mind about leaving her family?

6. What does Lucy do when she learns that Ned has been blinded in a hunting accident?

7. What decision does Lucy make after she has been home again for a few weeks?

8. Why does Lucy decide to leave her family and what gives her validation on her decision?

9. How does Lieutenant Prothero behave inappropriately toward Unison Randolph?

10. Describe how Cassie and her family members were taken aboard the big boat in Africa.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

The theme of the passage of time will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

What is the point of view of the novel? Why did Gurganus choose to write the story from this perspective? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular point of view?

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This section contains 1,020 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample