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

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of the book, Dillard walks with two words in her mind. What are they?

2. In Chapter 13, Dillard spies a snake. What kind is it?

3. What did a Russian botanist discover about locusts?

4. How large might a root system for winter rye grass plant grow?

5. How much impact on any of the creatures, mountains, or creek around her does the author think she has?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the final chapter of the book, the reader can see that in attempting to understand the natural world, the author is attempting to understand its creator. How does Dillard blend her observations of the natural world with what becomes of her beliefs in a creator? Use some of her writing to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Describe some of the scenes Dillard writes of from winters in her past. What had she observed that was cruel? What that was compassionate? Do you think winter lends itself more to cruel behavior than kindness? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Dillard's story about the tomcat in chapter one. Why did Dillard include this story in the book? What might be the meaning of this story?

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