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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. Who sends a letter to Patrick?

2. Who annoys Mrs. Webb?

3. What does Simon ask a girl at a party?

4. What happens to Simon in March of 1865?

5. Who steals a boat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miss Pryor propose to Simon?

2. How does Simon imagine his future?

3. Who is Damon Lessing?

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

5. Who dies of yellow fever?

6. Where does Simon want to buy land?

7. What has Doris always loved?

8. What happens to Simon in March of 1865?

9. Who is Doroteo?

10. What instrument does Simon play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's stint in prison. What does this experience, -- with the man who is sent to beat him in his cell to the sheriff himself -- reveal about the system? Is it corrupt? Why or why not? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing how the author uses characters and behaviors to develop and strengthen the theme of survival.

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.

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This section contains 417 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample