View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do Ike and Fainy finally find work in Seattle?

2. Who does Mac meet in Mexico that talks to him about the revolution there?

3. What is the name of the place in Nevada that Mac visits and meets union workers?

4. What does Johnny ask Annabelle when they spend time together?

5. What does Maisie's brother offer Maisie and Mac in Los Angeles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the train ride to Chicago that Mac takes?

2. After meeting Ben Evans, what does Mac decide?

3. What happens when Fainy and Bingham ride the train to Michigan?

4. How does Mac learn independence?

5. What does Ike teach Mac?

6. Where does Mac live with Maisie and what is their relationship?

7. Why does Johnny have to leave college?

8. What could Maisie have done to keep Mac in Los Angeles with her?

9. What does Ike do that leaves Mac stranded?

10. Describe Johnny Ward Morehouse.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The 42nd Parallel is written from the third-person point of view where the narrator is an outsider who can report only what he or she sees and hears. This narrator can tell us what is happening, but he cannot tell us the thoughts of the characters. This method allows the author to establish the setting and to supply background information to the reader about people, places, and events. Is this method effective? Why or why not? Would a first-person narrative be more or less appealing? Describe.

Essay Topic 2

Describe some of the settings for the stories in the 42nd Parallel. What is the overall setting? Be sure to include geography, time period, and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the author choose to use these places in the stories of the 42nd Parallel?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of discontentment in the 42nd Parallel. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience discontentment. Cite an example to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample