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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. Why had Mary always been treated with suspicion by the islanders?

2. When was Ruth's grandmother adopted?

3. What does Cal whistle as the group drives to Ellis House?

4. What is the name of Lanford's home?

5. If Ebbett had lived long enough, how would he have felt about Ruth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Cal Cooley?

2. Why does Ruth flee to Rhonda's in Chapter 5? What is Rhonda doing when Ruth arrives?

3. What does Ruth do after graduation?

4. Where and when is the novel "Stern Men" set?

5. How are the men on the islands described?

6. How are Fort Niles and Courne Haven islands alike?

7. How do mother and daughter greet one another in Chapter 5?

8. Describe Ruth's childhood as described in Chapter 1.

9. Describe Mary's wedding.

10. How do Stan and Mary meet? What do they think of one another when they first meet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of separation in the novel "Stern Men". Who is separated from one another in the novel? How do these separations impact the relationships of the characters involved? Who is Ruth separated from in the novel? How does she feel about this separation and how does it impact her?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Ruth's dreams and why she desires them. What is the connection between Ruth's dreams and ambitions and the setting of the novel? What obstacles might have prevented Ruth from achieving her dreams?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the love and romance found in the novel, particularly the relationship between Ruth and Owney. How do they meet? What is Ruth's first impression of Owney? What is the status of their relationship by the end of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample