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. Who does Simon borrow nice jackets from?

2. What has Doris always loved?

3. Who is Mercedes?

4. How old is Simon?

5. What is Simon's real name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instrument does Simon play?

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

3. What does Miss Pryor propose to Simon?

4. Who does Doris think about often?

5. What is Simon told about approaching a governess?

6. How does Simon get to Galveston?

7. What happens to Simon in March of 1865?

8. Where does Simon want to buy land?

9. Where did Simon live growing up?

10. Why does Simon play 'La Savane' at Pryor House?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's trial for the murder of Lester Pruitt. Who and what helps to clear him of all charges? How does the death of Lester Pruitt impact himself and Doris?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 405 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample