View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Hannie-Mavis, why is the family afraid of Lusa owning the farm?

2. How does Garnett refer to Lusa?

3. In Chapter 19, what does Deanna say that she is going to do or "die trying"?

4. What kind of surgery does Garnett's doctor want him to have?

5. How old is Deanna?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

6. What does the snake, leaving the cabin, symbolize for Deanna, in Chapter 22?

7. In Chapter 16, why is Deanna embarrassed when Jerry brings her supplies?

8. What reasons does Lusa give Jewel for wanting to adopt her 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. What does Hannie-Mavis tell Lusa is the real reason that Cole's family does not seem to embrace her?

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

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?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 757 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample