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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 do the night gun thugs do to Talcott's home?

2. What does Rondal say about Albion when he has lunch with Carrie?

3. Who does Isom want to marry?

4. Who has been building bombs?

5. Where do the miners expect trouble?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Carrie see Rondal again?

2. What does Carrie do after talking to Rondal, what does Albion tell her and what does she decide?

3. What do Rondal and Carrie hear about what is happening in the mining camps?

4. What does Carrie do after Albion is killed?

5. How does Rondal change his methods and why does he change them?

6. Why does Rondal visit Homeplace and what is Carrie's response?

7. What happens when Rondal and the others arrive at Blair Mountain?

8. What does Talcott tell Rondal about the men replacing Chafin's men, what does he ask Rondal and what does Rondal do? What happens to Rondal?

9. What do the women do after a black child dies?

10. What is Albion doing when he returns to Homeplace and what does he say to Carrie? How does Carrie's family feel about him being back in town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The farmers' lands are taken from them and the coal companies move in to virtually take over the area and the miners' lives, controlling their housing, food and how they can spend their money.

1. How do you think powerlessness engenders anger?

2. What are alternatives to anger to deal with powerlessness?

3. Do you believe the anger seen in the miners' lives is caused by their powerlessness? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

As the miners march toward Blair Mountain, their number grows; the more they grow, the more they feel certain of their success. This anticipated success leads the striking miners to commit acts that they would not have the strength to perform individually.

1. How do the miners demonstrate the power of a crowd?

2. There are also examples of the power of an individual in the book. What were two of them?

3. Do you think Rondal's reaction to the canceling of the march appropriate? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Titles are thought to be very important in both giving the reader a clue about the story and enticing one to read a book. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Storming Heaven is the chosen title for this novel?

2. Do you think this title would entice you to read this novel? Why or why not?

3. Do you think this rather nondescript title reflects the story it heralds? Explain your response using examples from the book.

4. If you had to title this novel in order to encourage more readers, what would you name it and why?

(see the answer keys)

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