View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Billie Jo tell her father to go to the doctor?

2. With whom does Billie Jo want to leave town?

3. What does Billie Jo see along the tracks?

4. What does the passenger leave Billie Jo when he goes?

5. How does Billie Jo describe her train trip?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Billie Jo's cautious optimism where Louise is concerned.

2. What news does Mad Dog come to deliver to Billie Jo?

3. What immediate plans to Billie Jo and Daddy make to begin healing?

4. How does fire seem to be an ever-present threat in Billie Jo's life?

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

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

7. Billie Jo has not taken any interest in cleaning the house until she sees someone else scrubbing hardened mud. What does this prompt Billie Jo to do and why does she feel haunted by Ma in her actions?

8. How does Billie Jo attempt to escape her life and the dust?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character sketch of Ma. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 929 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample