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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. In Billie Jo's dream, Ma gives birth to a baby ______________.

2. Who has been Billie Jo's best friend since first grade?

3. The boy who stops at Billie Jo's house to work and eat is headed to __________________.

4. After the exhibit is over, Billie Jo is angry because ___________________________.

5. What does Billie Jo hunger for in her life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Billie Jo? What does she like? Where does she live and who is her family?

2. What is the argument about a pond between Daddy and Ma?

3. How does Ma react when a brief rain comes in the Summer of 1934?

4. What are Ma's injuries and how does Daddy take care of her?

5. What happens when Daddy blows his nose or coughs after a dust storm?

6. What is the irony of Ma not liking Billie Jo to play the piano?

7. What happens in the aftermath of Ma's death?

8. What is Bille Jo's overall state of mind in Autumn 1934?

9. Who is Livie?

10. Explain the symbolism of Ma's death which corresponds with the devastation of the apple trees.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the point of view of the story? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular point of view?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of art and culture in Billie Jo's life? Cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the story, Louise places a bowl of perfect apples on the shelf. What is the significance of the apples to Billie Jo and to the story overall? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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