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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 do Lusa's nephews remind her of?

2. What song does Garnett whistle while mailing his letter?

3. How does Garnett describe Nannie's view of life?

4. What color is the mold that attacks tobacco plants?

5. What is Deanna eating in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Deanna physically attack Eddie, in Chapter 7?

4. According to Garnett's religious beliefs, when is it okay for an animal species to go extinct?

5. Do you think Garnett's religious beliefs are the basis for his constant disapproval of Nannie and her lifestyle?

6. Why do Cole and Lusa fight a lot?

7. What is Garnett's basic persona, when we first get to know him?

8. What is the ritual for traditional Muslin prayer?

9. Do you think Eddie respects Deanna?

10. Why does Lusa feel that her new sisters-in-law do not like her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Prodigal Summer", Nannie attempts to explain the "Volterra Principle" to Garnett. Explain, in depth, what this is. What does it have to do with pesticide use? Why, according to Nannie, is it being kept quiet and by whom?

Essay Topic 2

The Appalachian area is seen, by some, as being "hick" or "backward". Cite three examples from the book that would support this theory. Address regional dialect, stereotypes, and character names.

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)

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