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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. Jewel says that her painkillers make her stupid as a what?

2. What creatures is Eddie afraid of?

3. Who is Lusa spending time with, in Chapter 21?

4. What kind of berries do coyotes like?

5. What is the organized hunt in Arizona called?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 17, what remark does Nannie make that causes Garnett to wonder if he may have been responsible for his wife's death?

2. What does Nannie do, in Chapter 20, that makes Garnett realize how starved he is for human touch?

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

4. What are some of the ghost experiences in the house that Lusa relates to Crys?

5. What does the snake, leaving the cabin, symbolize for Deanna, in Chapter 22?

6. In Chapter 27, what does Lusa find out about the father of Jewel's children?

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

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

9. In Chapter 16, why is Deanna embarrassed when Jerry brings her supplies?

10. Why is Deanna anxious about Eddie reading her thesis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of "Prodigal Summer", we see much conflict and very little empathy between the characters. However, as the story progresses, we start to see a shift in this. Cite three examples from the book that demonstrate how the characters are learning to empathize with each other. Address how this empathy is beginning to lessen conflict.

Essay Topic 2

Barbara Kingsolver is a biologist originally from Kentucky, with a home in southern Appalachia. Discuss what you believe to be her intention in writing this book. Did she mean for there to be a deeper meaning to the book other than ordinary fiction? Is it merely coincidence that she writes about a place and subjects that she is well versed in? Do you believe that she is trying to sway your opinion in areas such as eco-systems, hunting, or tobacco? Give precise reasons for your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Although we never meet the character, Garnett Sheldon Walker IV, we learn about him from conversations in the novel. Describe the character, based on conversations of Garnett (his father) and Jewel. What was his upbringing like? How did his parents treat him? What did he do to warrant having to leave town and to be disowned by his father? How did he treat Jewel and the children? What are their opinions of him?

(see the answer keys)

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