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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 is unusual about the weather in May of 1988?

2. What does Daphne encourage Ian to do when he's driving her home and they see a motorist in a green Ford?

3. Where are the ceramic tiles from that Ian brings home while Rita is there?

4. Where is Thomas going to college?

5. What did Ian go to the market for when Agatha and Thomas were sick with the flu?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Daphne call Ian "Saint Maybe"?

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

3. What does the Church of the Second Chance do when Reverend Emmett has a heart attack?

4. What is the significance of Rita's choice of black-eyed peas and rice for Christmas Eve dinner?

5. How is it evident that Daphne just wants what's best for her uncle Ian?

6. Why does Doug want to keep particular items of Bee's when the children are cleaning out the house?

7. What clothes does Daphne choose to wear to the dinner party?

8. Describe Ian's uneasiness with Daphne and Gideon's relationship.

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

10. When Rita begins talking about having children, why is Ian reluctant at first?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Did Ian make the wrong choice to tell Danny his suspicions about Lucy? How does he avoid interfering in people's lives after Danny's death?

Essay Topic 2

Ian describes Daphne as a fierce little girl who had to fend for herself as a child. Discuss how this is reflected in Daphne's desire to take chances and live fully as a young woman.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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