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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 direction is the other family, which the coyote senses, coming from?

2. What is the shape of Nannie's shingles?

3. What is one thing that Garnett and Nannie have in common?

4. What is Kroger's Grocery selling, that upsets Garnett?

5. What does Lusa say that convinces Jewel to allow her to adopt her children, after her death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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