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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. In Chapter Twenty-One, how does Lila try to distract Tom from his intentions to tell the doctor the truth about what happened to the family?

2. After Susan expresses her desire for Tom at the end of Chapter Fifteen, how does the evening end for these two characters?

3. Tom tells Susan that the story of The Southern Way was true except ________________.

4. Tom is ashamed that he will be the only boy at the dance dressed in __________.

5. Who is the only friend to care for Isabel on her deathbed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Henry help "The Amberjack"?

2. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

3. What does Tom admit is even worse than the story of his family's attack?

4. What does Henry's visit to Tom in this chapter reveal about Henry's character?

5. Why is Lila bitter about Tom's decision?

6. What is the symbolism of Luke's solitary war with the government?

7. How does the town react to "The Amberjack's" presence?

8. Why is Tom shy in the locker room at South Carolina University?

9. Why does Tom decide to tell Dr. Lowenstein about the fateful day on the island?

10. Why does Susan insist that Savannah wants to become the persona called Renata?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the dramatic irony of Dr. Lowenstein's personal circumstances while treating Savannah. How is her own marriage and family an ironic counterpoint to the narrative Tom is sharing with her about his family?

Essay Topic 2

Tom says that growing up as a Wingo taught him to survive. Savannah tends to disagree. Of the three Wingo children, which emerges the strongest? Whose character and psyche survive the trials and traumas of this dysfunctional family? Support your position with clear and logical evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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