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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. Which of the McIvor children stands outside with Ellen as she waits for Jock to return?

2. Who does Gemmy start dreaming about in this chapter?

3. What does Gemmy hope to get from George Abbot?

4. What does Mrs. Hutchence give Gemmy that sparks memories of his childhood?

5. Who is the only child at the settlement whom Lachlan becomes close with?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Lachlan's relationships with the other settler children change over time? What causes this change?

2. Describe what happens to Janet in this chapter when she removes her bonnet and veil while beekeeping.

3. What is Sir George's vision for Queensland?

4. Describe the event that caused Willett's death.

5. Why does Sir George invite Mr. Frazer to speak with him? How does he react to Frazer's proposal?

6. How does Gemmy help Mrs. Hutchence with her beekeeping?

7. Describe the mob's attack on Gemmy.

8. What does Janet realize on the night depicted in this chapter that makes her feel she has become an adult?

9. How does Mr. Frazer react when Jim Sweetman refuses the native fruit? How does this contrast with his views on native plants at the end of the chapter?

10. How does Gemmy come to be on the island of Queensland?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Remembering Babylon, a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select two of the following minor characters to analyze: Ned Corcoran, Mrs. Hutchence, George Abbot, Janet McIvor.

Discuss:

1) The personality (character traits) of this character

2) The relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story

3) The impact of this character on the story line--How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Race plays an important role in this novel. Discuss several situations where the body is central to the plot of the story. Focus on what the human body is serving as a symbol of at that point in the novel. Be sure to cite specific details from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Sir George and Mr. Frazer represent two different visions of life in Queensland. In your essay:

1) describe each character's vision for Queensland;

2) compare and contrast their visions; and,

3) discuss which vision you think the author most identifies with.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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