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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 is described as being an aggressive lobsterman?

2. How old is Lanford Ellis in Chapter 3?

3. When do the men on the islands go to war?

4. What does Simon hire Webster to do?

5. What does Ebbett do during the war years?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ruth's birth.

2. How are the men on the islands described?

3. Describe the funeral in Chapter 1.

4. Who are the members of Ebbett's family?

5. Describe Mary's wedding.

6. What do Simon and Ruth talk about as they watch Webster in Chapter 2?

7. What do Ruth, Cal and Toby talk about while on the New Hope in Chapter 5?

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

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

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

What is the role of the woman on the islands? As a woman, what do Ruth's parents expect of her? How do Ruth's ambitions clash with the social expectations placed upon her?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

What is discussed about religion in the novel? What are Ruth's religious beliefs? Pastor Toby is a religious figure in the novel: how is he depicted?

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