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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 say that convinces Jewel to allow her to adopt her children, after her death?

2. In Chapter 18, what does Crys not want to wear?

3. What kind of therapy does Lusa discover, after Cole's death?

4. What do Lusa and Little Rickie see in the field?

5. In Chapter 18, what does Lusa ask that the family start using?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

5. Why does Garnett not like the pickers that come each fall to help with the harvest?

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

7. What realizations does Deanna have, alone in a rainstorm, in Chapter 29?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Garnett appears to have a strong faith, in "Prodigal Summer", and likes to quote scripture. However, some of his opinions seem to contradict, not only the Bible, but also what some might view as a "Christian" attitude. Cite three examples from the book that would support this view. Be sure to address stereotypes, judging others, and views on animals' place on earth. Are Garnett's interpretations of the Bible solely to support his own views or do you think that he honestly believes them?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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