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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. In Chapter 27, what do Lusa and Little Rickie decide to do together?

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

3. According to Deanna's dad, why do adult birds "fly around crazy" in August?

4. According to Nannie, there is nothing as important as having what?

5. When Jewel gets sick in the garden, what does Lusa give her?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

6. How does Garnett embarrass himself in Chapter 28?

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

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

9. Nannie is upset because the church fumigated for bees and now honey is oozing out of the walls. What does she think they should have done instead?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Man vs. nature is a common theme in "Prodigal Summer". Explain Deanna's theory of predation, as it relates to predators and prey. Cite examples that she lists in the book. If predators are killed or die at a faster rate than prey, what are some of the outcomes that she predicts will happen? What could the effect on humans be?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In "Prodigal Summer", Deanna finally ends her self-imposed exile, Lusa comes into her own, and Garnett learns the fine art of compromise. Choose one of these characters that you feel has the most character development throughout the novel and describe their development. Give specific examples from the book to support your choice.

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