View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Simon play a Creole song?

2. Who steals a boat?

3. Where did Simon live growing up?

4. What is Patrick's heritage?

5. Where is Colonel Webb's governess from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instrument does Simon play?

2. Why does Simon have Patrick write letters to Doris?

3. How does Mrs. Webb treat Doris?

4. Who is Patrick?

5. Where does Simon find work in Galveston?

6. Who is Doroteo?

7. What war is happening at the beginning of the novel?

8. Who dies of yellow fever?

9. Who does Simon notice at a dinner after the war?

10. Who does Doris think about often?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's relationship with his band mates. What is the nature of their relationship as a musical group? In what ways does their unit function as a sort of family for Simon? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's experience fighting in the war. What does he learn from this experience, about life, war, and himself? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore Doris's understanding of America. What does Doris think of America and Americans? What about the nation is appealing to her, and what is not appealing? Use evidence from the text as support.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 429 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample