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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. What does Stoner find a financial burden for him in Chapter VI?

2. How does Edith act around Stoner when others are present?

3. Why do Edith and Stoner cut their honeymoon short?

4. What does Edith do after her and Stoner make love the first time?

5. How many days is Edith in labor?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is William's early life on his family farm described for the first time in the book?

2. How is William's study of English described over the three years he studies at the University of Missouri?

3. How is Sloane's funeral described?

4. Why does Edith's father commit suicide?

5. How does Edith act just after her and William are married?

6. How has Edith changed when she returns home from her father's funeral?

7. How is Edith and William's relationship described when they return from their honeymoon?

8. Describe Edith's outburst during dinner with Finch and his fiancée in Chapter V.

9. How does William learn about the new agriculture program at the University of Missouri?

10. How is Edith described after she gives birth to Grace?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of family is one presented several times throughout the book. Part 1.) What kind of relationship did William have with his parents and what impact did this relationship have on his actions later in life? Part 2.) How is Edith's view of family flawed due to her experiences with her family growing up? Part 3.) Considering William and Edith's family lives, how does their creation of their own family appear somewhat ironic and why is this significant?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the theme of dedication that is portrayed in the book. Why does William show such dedication to Edith, especially during his relationship with Katherine, considering the turmoil and challenges he experiences in his home life? What is telling about his nature based on his dedication to his family?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the author's portrayal of farm life in the book. How is the way of life of William's parents on the farm different from what he finds in college and what did farm life prevent William from experiencing out of life that he found elsewhere?

(see the answer keys)

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