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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 Tree appreciate Miss Pricherd's arrival?

2. Where is Tree whisked away to?

3. Why does Tree say she turns on the light in the little room?

4. What broken thing makes Tree wonder why broken things aren't fixed?

5. What does Tree give Miss Pricherd?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Brother Rush as Tree first sees him.

2. What does Miss Pricherd see in the little room?

3. What interrupts Tree's first experience with Brother Rush?

4. How is Dab feeling when Tree goes to wake him up?

5. How do Tree and Dab wake up on Saturday morning?

6. Describe Tree's experience at Binnie's house.

7. What happens that wakes Tree up in the middle of the night?

8. How does Tree know anything about Brother Rush?

9. What does Dab see when he comes into the little room?

10. Describe the first time Tree sees Brother Rush.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a couple of places, characters do little dances when they are happy, or can't find words for their feelings. What do characters express without words, in "Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush"? What would they say if they had words--can you paraphrase what they are saying? Why do you think Virginia Hamilton gave them gestures instead of words?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Ken and Silversmith. How are they similar? How are they different? What are they like as people? What are they like as father figures for Tree?

Essay Topic 3

How does Tree change from the beginning of the book to the end? What has she learned, and how has she grown? How has her relationship with her mother changed?

(see the answer keys)

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