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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 Tom's wife blurt out to elicit an emotional response from Tom as they walk along the beach in Chapter One?

2. After producing a letter from Lila, how does Dr. Lowenstein view Tom's mother?

3. Who or what is "Callanwolde"?

4. What happens as Tom tries to explain the game of football to Dr. Lowenstein?

5. Why does Tolitha ask Luke to take pictures of her in the coffin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Henry covert to Catholicism?

2. Why does Tom punch Todd Newbury, and what does this reveal or suggest about Tom?

3. What is the topic of Savannah's poetry?

4. What is curious about Tolitha and Amos having Henry for a son?

5. What is one of the benefits of Tom's extraordinary childhood?

6. How does the Prologue present the father of the Wingo children?

7. What does the story of Lila's quest to win the Colleton League cookbook contest reveal about her character?

8. How does Lila react to Henry's buying a tiger?

9. What kind of family does the Prologue portray?

10. Who is the Prince of Tides?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is one character in the novel who plays a very small but powerful role in the lives of the Wingos: the name known by the children as "Callanwolde." What do we know about this persona? What might he represent? What role does his presence play in the larger narrative?

Write an essay that explores this character and analyzes how he exemplifies the pain and trauma in the lives of the Wingo family. Be sure to make clear and specific references to the text as well as literary techniques (symbolism, imagery, figurative language, etc.) as you develop your response.

Essay Topic 2

The essence of any drama, especially the Wingo family drama, is conflict. Choose ONE of the following characters and discuss the major conflicts and obstacles he or she seeks to overcome throughout the novel. Does he or she succeed? What is the prevailing conflict in his or her path to healing? How does the struggle and tension produced by this conflict change this character?

A.) Tom.

B.) Luke.

C.) Savannah.

D.) Lila.

E.) Susan.

F.) Henry.

Essay Topic 3

In the Epilogue of the novel, Tom is seen to repeat the name "Lowenstein." Similarly, Savannah was heard to repeat words and phrases during her time of extreme mental suffering. Do you think Tom Wingo has found the happiness and fulfillment that he seemed to be lacking in the opening of the novel? Or has he merely sacrificed his own peace and joy for the sake of family?

Write a persuasive essay in which you share your ideas on this subject. Be sure to justify your assertions with specific and relevant evidence from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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