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. Where does Dick wake up in Chapter 47?

2. Where is Dick's family living since their house was damaged in the hurricane?

3. What news does Dick overhear Elsie tell Mary?

4. What is ruined on the trip getting Dick's boat to the boatyard?

5. What does Dick regret on the day after the hurricane?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the climax of the story as Dick's new boat is christened and launched.

2. Explain how the author uses the technique of flashbacks in Chapter 50.

3. How does Schuyler's documentary put Dick in an unfavorable light?

4. Why is Dick confused about May's comments about what women want in their lives?

5. What does Eddie note about Dick's mood even though the boat is finished and ready for launching?

6. What does Dick tell Elsie that he expects May's reaction will be when he reveals his infidelity?

7. Explain how the hurricane has changed Dick and his feelings about his misplaced priorities.

8. How do Dick's conflicted feelings about Parker continue to exhibit in Chapter 44?

9. What is the symbolism of the spartina and the Wedding Cake that are still intact after the hurricane?

10. How does Elsie interpret Dick's comment that they are similar to Marie and Parker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the novel SPARTINA? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Striving takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample