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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 does Jamie feel toward his mother?

2. What is Granda's first name?

3. What is Jamie's mood as the story begins?

4. With whom is Jamie traveling?

5. Why does Jamie tell his mother he cannot walk one morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. What feelings of Granda Hugh's come out regarding Jamie's leaving home years ago?

2. What are Jamie's thoughts as he returns to his childhood home in Scotland on the train?

3. What does Jamie note about his grandfather's buildings as he returns home?

4. Describe how Famie became a political figure and advocate for a rent strikes movement.

5. Why is Jamie so sad to be leaving Mrs. Drake?

6. Describe Gran Margie as Jamie sees her for the first time in ten years.

7. Why are Granda Hugh's buildings now a metaphor for his physical condition?

8. What eases some of Jamie's sadness at having to leave Mrs. Drake?

9. What has Mrs. Drake given Jamie before he leaves on his trip?

10. Who does Jamie encounter when he steps off the train?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Alice. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Alice?

Essay Topic 3

Explain O'Hagan's use of symbolism and imagery in the story as related to the decaying buildings. What do the decaying buildings represent? Which characters are especially affected by the buildings and what do they mean to them?

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This section contains 881 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample