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

Short Answer Questions

1. Eskimos believe it is a great honor to be incarnated as what?

2. What would Dillard term passive pursuit of animals?

3. What does the author think about as she watches the flood waters?

4. Who does Dillard says stalk caribou herds for days?

5. Dillard says that if plants had emotions, she would applaud this:

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dillard understands the world of predators better than that of parasites. She writes that at least one has a fighting chance when up against a predator. Why do you think she felt this way? Use examples in your discussion of the behavior of parasites and predators.

Essay Topic 2

Chapter seven is about spring. Spring is not just a season to the author, but both a natural and metaphysical event. How does Dillard understand spring? How do the creatures she observes help form her opinion? Use one story she has written about spring and animals to illustrate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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