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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 is Simon running from at the beginning of the novel?

2. Who is the protagonist of the novel?

3. Who does Simon borrow nice jackets from?

4. What song does Simon play for someone at Fort Brown?

5. Who steals a boat?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does Simon find work in Galveston?

3. What does Miss Pryor propose to Simon?

4. What has Doris always loved?

5. What does Doris think of the Webb family?

6. What is Simon told about approaching a governess?

7. Where does Simon want to buy land?

8. How old is Simon at the beginning of the novel?

9. How does Simon get to Galveston?

10. How does Simon imagine his future?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you explore the theme of power. There are many instances throughout the novel that demonstrate a struggle for power, particularly in the case of the post-war South but also simply between individual characters. Who is afforded power throughout the novel? What does is take to acquire power, or to take it from others? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's relationship with Doris Dillon. What is the nature of this relationship, and in what ways does it change or impact each of them as individuals? Use evidence from the text as support.

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