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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 Lusa say that the cows will eat?

2. What does the sign say that Nannie puts in Garnett's yard?

3. What is the roof of Lusa's farmhouse made of?

4. What word does Deanna use to describe nature?

5. According to Nannie, what is "the center of everything"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Garnett disheartened by the farms in the area?

3. Why do Cole and Lusa fight a lot?

4. In Chapter 12, Garnett suspects that Nannie has slandered his name. What is the situation?

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

6. Was Nannie right in moving her "No Spray Zone" sign onto the bank bordering Garnett's property?

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

8. What was the occupation of Lusa's grandparents?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Man vs. nature is a common theme in "Prodigal Summer". Explain Deanna's theory of predation, as it relates to predators and prey. Cite examples that she lists in the book. If predators are killed or die at a faster rate than prey, what are some of the outcomes that she predicts will happen? What could the effect on humans be?

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", 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?

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