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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. Who tries to buy Henry Wingo's island?

2. How does the Wingo family react to the last still born, Rose Ann?

3. What does Tom read in the waiting room of Dr. Lowenstein's office?

4. Tom is correct in guessing that ______________.

5. What does Tom say that Grandmother Tolitha did immediately following Papa John's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of family does the Prologue portray?

2. What does Luke pray for before his father leaves for Korea?

3. How does the scene in the funeral parlor contrast with the rest of the Wingo childhood?

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

5. Why doesn't Lila want the children to tell their father about the man called "Callanwolde"?

6. What does the robbery that Luke witnesses in New York show us about the city?

7. How does the death of Rose Ann reveal the nature of the Wingo parents?

8. How would you describe Lila Wingo?

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

10. How does Lila react to the news of Tom's actions against Todd?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Geographical settings carry a special significance in the novel. In fact, the narrative frequently alternates between the South and New York City. Compare and contrast these two settings. What significance do each of them hold in the story? Why does Conroy choose to alternate between the two?

Essay Topic 2

Trace the use and significance of religion in the novel. Write a thematic essay in which you develop the author's attitude or reason for using religion in his story. Be sure to discuss at least two specific moments when religion plays an explicit part in the novel to develop your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

A major motif throughout the novel is the pattern of hiding. Many of the characters are consciously or unconsciously hiding something about themselves, about their pasts, or about their family. As the novel progresses, each of these characters is given the opportunity to reveal the truth that he or she has been hiding or to conceal it further.

Choose ONE of the following characters and discuss how he or she participates in this motif. What is the character hiding? Is the concealment intentional or accidental? Does the character ever reveal this truth? What are the ramifications of the character's decision to disclose the secret or continue hiding it?

A.) Tom.

B.) Lila.

C.) Henry.

D.) Savannah.

E.) Bernard.

F.) Susan.

G.) Luke.

(see the answer keys)

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