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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 do Mr. Noble and Mr. Romney do to take care of the pests?

2. To what state is Billie Jo's best friend moving?

3. What event is held at the courthouse?

4. What is Billie Jo's new baby brother named?

5. What does Daddy do as a result of Ma's injuries?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mad Dog say he got his nickname? What is his real name?

2. How does Billie Jo like being on the road and playing piano?

3. How does the wandering boy symbolize all the people who want to escape the dust bowl and have a better life in California?

4. What is Billie Jo looking forward to regarding the apples?

5. How does Mad Dog make Billie Jo feel like things are back to normal at least for a little bit?

6. What are the special rules about setting the table during the dust bowl era?

7. How does Billie Jo feel about the piano since Ma has died?

8. What is the importance of the apple trees to Ma and Billie Jo?

9. Explain how people view Billie Jo now that her hands are injured.

10. What is the dust a metaphor for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story such as the piano and the pond. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Billie Jo's piano serves as a powerful metaphor in the story. Be sure to include the perspective on the piano both before and after Ma's death.

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This section contains 1,058 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample