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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. How much is Lusa going to get, per pound, for her herd?

2. What is the reason that Lusa gives Crys for keeping the farm, in Chapter 21?

3. What will Jewel not spend money on?

4. According to Nannie, God's creation is all about what?

5. How old is Crys?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 24, what reason does Lusa give Jewel for using every bit of produce from her garden?

2. What is the "decrease predator - increase prey" concept that Deanna tries to explain to Eddie in Chapter 19?

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

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

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

6. What do Nannie and Garnett call each other, at the end of Chapter 28?

7. In Chapter 19, Deanna is exhibiting what symptoms that causes Eddie to think that she is anemic and Deanna to think she is menopausal?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lusa and Deanna share a love of nature. Unfortunately, they are in the minority and are often made to feel like outcasts, because of their beliefs. List three examples, from the book, which demonstrate this behavior by others. Is there a reason for their behavior? Does it resolve itself?

Essay Topic 2

Jewel states, "I have a girl that acts like a boy and a boy that acts like a girl". Cite specific examples from the book that prompt her to make this statement. Do you agree with her statement? Is their behavior that different from "traditional" gender behavior? Does this cause problems for them?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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