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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 does Joe De La Flor need to divest himself of?

2. What does Billie Jo sense returning to the area?

3. What arrives at the school compliments of the government?

4. Where does Daddy decide to go?

5. What item is not made for this year's Christmas dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Billie Jo's time away change the relationship between her and her father?

2. What does Billie Jo think about the dinosaur bones that are found in Oklahoma?

3. How does Doc Rice treat both Daddy and Billie Jo?

4. What is the content of the letter Aunt Ellis sends to Billie Jo?

5. Who are the unexpected tenants of the schoolhouse for a couple weeks?

6. How does the lack of a mother make Billie Jo unsure of how to manage her feelings about Mad Dog?

7. For what things is Billie Jo thankful on this Thanksgiving?

8. What does Billie Jo admit to herself about her mother's death, her father's indifference toward her and her need to escape this life?

9. How does Billie Jo finally come to terms with the dust and its full impact on her life?

10. Why are the migrant workers leaving the area in such large numbers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Billie Jo view her mother before her death? How does her perception change after Ma dies? Are her reactions normal? 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

Who is Louise and what is her role in the family? Is Billie Jo right to be cautiously optimistic about Louise's presence in her life? Explain.

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This section contains 850 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample