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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 gives piano lessons?

2. What does Simon buy for traveling purposes?

3. What is the band offered to play a big event?

4. What does Solomon Bradford tell Simon about his fiddling job?

5. How much longer does Doris have left on her labor contract?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the band travel to Banquete?

2. Why does Simon pretend to be a fruit vendor?

3. What does Josephina remember about Simon?

4. Where do Simon and Damon stay in San Antonio?

5. Where does Simon finally see Doris?

6. Where does Simon stay while in Houston?

7. Why does Doro leave the band?

8. Where does Simon meet Solomon Bradford?

9. Why does Simon buy a ring?

10. Who gets killed with a bow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Write an essay describing the author’s narrative tone and writing style. Use examples from the text as evidence for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's vision of his future. What kind of life does Simon envision himself living, and why? What is he willing to do in order to see it come to fruition? Use evidence from the text as support.

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This section contains 480 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample