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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 doesn't Simon attend the funeral in Chapter 1?

2. Which of the following things is Angus not?

3. How are the men on the islands described?

4. What does Vera never want Mary to do?

5. What does Ruth say to her mother when she sees her at the end of Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is Cal Cooley?

3. What does Simon tell Rhonda not to do in Chapter 1? Why does he give her this advice?

4. How does Simon try to help Rhonda in Chapter 1?

5. What does Ruth think of Vera?

6. Describe Ruth's birth.

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

8. Why is Ruth sent to Delaware? How does she feel about this move?

9. Who is Ebbett Thomas?

10. Describe Mary's wedding.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is a coming of age story? Is "Stern Men" a coming of age story? Why or why not?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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