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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. According to Garnett, what is the "fastest growing plant this side of China"?

2. When Jewel gets sick in the garden, what does Lusa give her?

3. How many sisters does Jewel have?

4. Where does Garnett find Nannie, in Chapter 17?

5. According to Deanna, there is no such thing as what?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 30, Lusa is finally beginning to feel like what?

2. In Chapter 25, what does Deanna remember as the closest thing to an explanation of the birds and the bees that she ever got?

3. Why does Deanna think that falling trees will never crush her cabin?

4. How does Lusa respond to Little Rickie's invitation to have sex?

5. Deanna finally opens up to Eddie about her half-sister, in Chapter 16. What does she tell him?

6. Garnett has previously ignored his doctor's suggestion to have cataract surgery but is now reconsidering. Why?

7. What does Hannie-Mavis tell Lusa is the real reason that Cole's family does not seem to embrace her?

8. Nannie is upset because the church fumigated for bees and now honey is oozing out of the walls. What does she think they should have done instead?

9. Even though Nannie drives Garnett crazy, why does he feel it is his responsibility to give her the shingles in his garage?

10. Why is the first cold day a day that Deanna will never forget?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Prodigal Summer", we read of the departures of various people. Choose one of the following people: the father of Jewel's children, Cole, Eddie. Discuss the effects that their departure has had on others. What are the short-term and long-term effects? What might have been different, had they stayed? Are others better off for them having left?

Essay Topic 2

After several conversations with Crys, Lusa concludes that Crys's aunts do not understand her and are doing her more harm than good. Cite three examples from the book that support this. What have they said and done that convinces her of this? What impact has their behavior had on Crys? Does Jewel agree with Lusa?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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