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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 think she might try growing?

2. How old is Nannie?

3. In Chapter 24, Jewel is talking about dying. What is one thing that she will regret not seeing?

4. What is Garnett gradually realizing about Nannie?

5. What does Deanna feel is a human mistake?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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