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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. Deanna fears that she is what?

2. Whom is Lowell afraid of?

3. What is the rumor around town about Lusa?

4. Whom is Deanna going to tell the townspeople is the father of her child?

5. As a child, what did Lusa raise in shoeboxes?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In Chapter 23, what are Garnett and Nannie's differing views on old age?

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

5. Why does Garnett not like the pickers that come each fall to help with the harvest?

6. What reasons does Lusa give Jewel for wanting to adopt her children?

7. In Chapter 30, Lusa starts to think of Cole in a different manner. What is this?

8. What secret does Lusa tell Crys, in Chapter 21?

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

10. In Chapter 18, Lusa spends quality time with Crys. What are some things that she finds out about her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lusa has very strong convictions about planting tobacco. Her brothers-in-law, however, feel that it is the only viable crop to plant. Cite examples from the book that explain their reasoning. What is the topography of the land like? How does this affect what crops will grow? What facts do they present to her, regarding growing corn? Is she simply being idealistic, rather than practical? In the end, what decision does Lusa come to?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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