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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 was destroyed by his brother's ambition?

2. What celebrated public figure is buried in an unmarked grave?

3. Who cared for Paul McNeely?

4. Where was Charlie French hurt by a toy pistol?

5. Whose sermons were burned as waste paper?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a common theme in the residents of the section beginning with John Cabanis and ending with Searcy Foote? Give an example.

2. Explain how Fiddler Jones was able to die without a single regret.

3. Give three examples of one-life minded souls, and explain how each is one-life minded.

4. Explain the relationship between Mrs. George Reece and Alexander Pope.

5. Explain the relationship between Harmon Whitney and the other residents of Spoon River. Why did this relationship exist?

6. Several residents in the section beginning with Fiddler Jones and ending with Mrs. George Reece are one-life minded souls. What does this mean and who are they?

7. Why does Masters introduce some honorable characters in the section beginning with Conrad Siever and ending with Cooney Potter?

8. Did Clarence Fawcett deserve to be punished for stealing blankets to pay his daughter's doctor bill? Why?

9. What does John Cabanis say did NOT contribute to his decision to leave the conservative party to lead the liberal party?

10. How is Emily Sparks different from the other residents at the beginning of the "Spoon River Anthology"? How does she fit in with the other residents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Masters explore ethics in "Spoon River Anthology"? Use the example of at least one resident to support your claims.

Essay Topic 2

Explain The Hill and its role in "Spoon River Anthology".

Essay Topic 3

Was John Cabanis right in attempting to overthrow the conservative party in The Spooniad? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 775 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample