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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 accident did Deanna "almost" have when she was first hired?

2. What mountain range surrounds the valley that the story takes place in?

3. What does Garnett feel is part of growing old?

4. Where does Nannie sell her produce?

5. What is Lois's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think Eddie respects Deanna?

2. In Chapter 15, Lusa finds she is happier than she has been a long time. Explain this change.

3. What is the ritual for traditional Muslin prayer?

4. What are Garnett's views of the Amish?

5. What is Deanna's main defense of coyotes, concerning the killing of farm livestock?

6. How has Deanna ended up as a forest ranger, studying coyotes?

7. What is Lusa's plan for her goats?

8. How does Deanna equate her husband with the typical "male animal"?

9. Describe Sam Hill as we meet him in Chapter 13.

10. What does Garnett warn Lusa about, when she wants to place an ad for goats?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jewel states, "I have a girl that acts like a boy and a boy that acts like a girl". Cite specific examples from the book that prompt her to make this statement. Do you agree with her statement? Is their behavior that different from "traditional" gender behavior? Does this cause problems for them?

Essay Topic 2

Garnett appears to have a strong faith, in "Prodigal Summer", and likes to quote scripture. However, some of his opinions seem to contradict, not only the Bible, but also what some might view as a "Christian" attitude. Cite three examples from the book that would support this view. Be sure to address stereotypes, judging others, and views on animals' place on earth. Are Garnett's interpretations of the Bible solely to support his own views or do you think that he honestly believes them?

Essay Topic 3

In "Prodigal Summer", Deanna finally ends her self-imposed exile, Lusa comes into her own, and Garnett learns the fine art of compromise. Choose one of these characters that you feel has the most character development throughout the novel and describe their development. Give specific examples from the book to support your choice.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample