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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. In Chapter 4, why is Hagar at the doctor's office?

2. Since Marvin manages her money, what money does Hagar plan to use to get to Shadow Point, ?

3. What did Hagar tell her employer, Mr. Oatley, about her husband?

4. What was Hagar's occupation at Mr. Oatley's house?

5. Who does John tell Hagar she will be like, when she leaves Bram to go find work as a housekeeper?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Hagar is dressed when, in Chapter 5, she sets out for Shadow Point. What do you think this says about her?

2. Why is Hagar frightened when Marvin and Doris tell her they want to sell the house?

3. How is Hagar's wild and headstrong nature depicted in Chapter 2?

4. Compare the birth of Marvin the the birth of John, and Hagar's feeling with both.

5. How is the symbolic use of wings portrayed in Chapter 3?

6. In Chapter 1, how does Hagar see herself?

7. Describe some differences Hagar sees in Marvin and John.

8. Describe the imagery between Hagar and the weeds and wild flowers at the cemetery.

9. Why do you think Hagar tells her employer, Mr. Oatley, her husband died?

10. How does Hagar see John's character flaws? How does this compare her to the stone angel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The stone angel in the cemetery is very symbolic throughout the novel.

Part 1) Describe the stone angel's significance in the cemetery?

Part 2) It has been carved without eyeballs, why is that important?

Part 3) How is Hagar like the stone angel at the beginning of the novel and at the end?

Essay Topic 2

It is said that pride is Hagar's downfall. Site several examples. Was she prideful in her dress, speech, and/or attitude? How did she treat the people around her?

Essay Topic 3

Marvin Shipley was caught between "two fires" meaning his mother who needed, but did not want to go to the nursing home and his wife Doris (Hagar's caregiver) who wanted Hagar to go to the nursing home and could no longer keep up with the workload because of her health. What would you have done if you were Marvin? Would you have changed your mind at any point in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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