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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. After Mother asks Sammy the question, what does she do to Sammy?

2. Why does Mother react the way she does to knowing why men are digging in the field?

3. What is the best description of the story with regard to the author's writing work?

4. When Sammy leaves in Section 2, where does Nanny go?

5. What does Nanny's confusion regarding the reason to why men are digging in the field center upon?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Mother's confrontation inside with Father about the building of the new barn, what does she do and what is her attitude?

2. "The Revolt of 'Mother'" is Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman's most wel- known short story. Explain why this short story is so well known.

3. What does Mother say to Sammy and Nanny after the hay cart arrives and she is back in the house?

4. What is the minister's reaction to his conversation with Mother?

5. What is the scene on the farm as Father returns from his trip?

6. What is Mother's response to her husband's answer to her inquiry about the digging, and how does her husband respond?

7. Why does Mother think she has a right to be disturbed about Father's building another barn?

8. As described in the introduction, explain the historical setting of the story and why it is important to know that.

9. Toward the end of her confrontation with Father, what does Mother say in anger to try to convince Father that he is wrong to build a barn?

10. At the end of the day that Mother implements the decision she makes in Father's absense, what is the condition of the new barn and the old house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many elements of conflict used throughout the story. Choose one of the following conflicts, and write an essay about how that conflict adds to the understanding of the plot of the story:

1) Conflict between Mother and Father

2) Conflict between Mother and Sammy

3) Conflict between Mother and the minister

4) Conflict between Father and Sammy

5) Conflict between Mother and the townspeople gossiping about what she did

Essay Topic 2

Does Mother have another choice in the story? Can she make any other decision? Write an essay explaining Mother's conflicts and the decision she makes and whether she has any other options available to her.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay comparing and contrasting Nanny at the beginning of the story to the end of the story. Does she change throughout the story?

(see the answer keys)

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