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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 has Doris always loved?

2. Where is Doris from?

3. What does Simon want to buy in Texas?

4. What name does Simon give the conscription men?

5. What was Doris's favorite part of her education?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Doris think of the Webb family?

2. Where does Simon want to buy land?

3. Who does Simon kiss at the garden party?

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

5. What is Simon told about approaching a governess?

6. How does Simon imagine his future?

7. What happens to Simon in March of 1865?

8. What does Simon play for Doris when she rides by in a carriage?

9. Who tags along with Simon to Galveston?

10. What does Miss Pryor propose to Simon?

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 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 Doris's relationship to music. What kind of music does Doris like to hear and play? Is music as important to her as it is to Simon? Use evidence from the text as support.

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This section contains 464 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample