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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 divorcing Thomas Dulsimore, where did Lucy move?

2. Who calls Lucy "common as dirt"?

3. In Chapter Ten, how long have Rita and Ian been married?

4. Who announces his engagement on Christmas Eve?

5. What did Miss Pennington wear to the Parent/Teacher conference?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it significant that Ian discovers Lucy's jewelry box with her important papers?

2. Describe Agatha's appearance when she returns for Thanksgiving after her mother has died.

3. How does Miss Pennington respond to Ian at the dinner party?

4. What condition is the sewing box in when Daphne and Agatha find it in the closet?

5. What does Daphne hang on the wall in the living room with the other family pictures?

6. Describe Ian's reaction when Reverend Emmett suggests that he train for the ministry.

7. What is the weather in the spring of 1988?

8. In Chapter Ten, what is Agatha's memory of recovering from the flu by eating Hearts of Palm salad?

9. Why does Agatha refuse to go to church once she's fifteen?

10. How does Ian respond to Reverend Emmett advice to "view your burden as a gift"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Daphne calls Ian Saint Maybe and Mr. Cautious. Explain how you see the truth of these labels in Ian's actions and demeanor. Do you think he changes as the story unfolds? Describe one experience later in the novel where he is not a Saint Maybe.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance of the airmailed bowling ball. Why do you think Lucy spends so much time making her decision to send it express? What is the significance of Danny's reaction to her choice to send it airmail?

Essay Topic 3

What does Danny find appealing about Lucy? How does she change his life? Provide specific textual examples to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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