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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. The people of Amity Harbor are frightened about the possibility of

2. The abusive sergeant from J Company who lectured the men at the seawall

3. When Carl, Sr. had a stroke, Etta jumped at the chance to

4. Ole and Leisel Jurgensen had two visitors on the same day--September 7. They were

5. As a coroner, Horace Whaley

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ishmael forced to pretend he does not have feelings for Hatsue?

2. What kind of lawyer is Nels Gudmundsson?

3. Explain the hysteria on San Piedro Island when the news of the Pearl Harbor attack is announced.

4. Why does Hatsue ignore Ishmael at school?

5. What has caused Ishmael Chambers to be so cynical?

6. What was the convincing factor in Sheriff Moran's decision to get a search warrant for Kabuo's boat?

7. This chapter is full of symbolism. What is the most sensual event that Guterson describes between Hatsue and Ishmael?

8. Describe Amity Harbor. Is it an upscale town? Does it seem inviting?

9. Although serious, this trial still has the feel of a small town affair. What are some reasons for that?

10. We learn that Carl Heine is a precise, organized and capable man. Can you think of a reason that the author is giving us such a detailed description of a deceased person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Where in our country is the largest concentration of strawberry farming? Research and write an essay on strawberry farming in America. What is the perfect climate and soil for strawberry farming? Is the farming still primarily done by workers of a different nationality? What is the percentage of strawberries that are imported into our country compared with what we grow domestically?

Essay Topic 2

Review Snow Falling on Cedars with an eye toward symbolism. Guterson masterfully plants words and ideas that transport the reader along through the story, and allow us to look back and understand the symbolism that we may have missed as the story unfolds. Focus on one character, such as Hatsue, and analyze each symbolic passage Guterson has created, explaining why he did it and what it means. An example: Note Hatsue's "knife-sharp" pleats and "long darts."

Essay Topic 3

Guterman mentions that occasionally Canadian Indians came across the border to help with the strawberry harvest in the islands off of Washington. Research and write an expository essay about these temporary workers, and teach your reader everything you can about their lifestyle and their culture. This may take some library research. Find out the names of the tribes or bands -- choose one island if necessary, such as Bainbridge, and learn what you can about the history of Indian pickers and processors.

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