View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Dillard finally reconcile a kind, loving creator with the carnage she observes in the natural world?

2. How did early man view locusts?

3. What is the muskrat young called?

4. After the butterflies finally leave, how does the sky seem to the author?

5. When do Eskimos hunt caribou?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter three, "Winter," Dillard suggests that with or without human interference, nature continues to exist. What do you think she meant by this? Give two examples and explain why the examples illustrate this principle.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss "literal" seeing and "figurative" seeing as Dillard uses them. Give examples of each. How do these two terms relate to your life?

Essay Topic 3

In the first part of chapter eight, the author goes into great detail about many phenomena of the natural world. Write about some of the details she has written. How has her writing changed in this chapter to reflect the theme of the intricacy of nature?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 250 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample