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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 Herod Antipas's guard urge the people in the street to do to Ana?

2. What does Ana do on her own roof following the end of her betrothal?

3. What does Nathaniel's sister question when she comes to see Ana?

4. What does Jesus tell Ana has befallen Tabitha?

5. What gives Ana hope that she might not have to marry after all?

Short Essay Questions

1. What rumors start about Ana following the end of her betrothal?

2. Why does Ana bury her scrolls in the cave?

3. Why does Ana refer to Judas as a brother?

4. What deal does Matthias make with Herod Antipas regarding Ana that repulses Ana?

5. How does Jesus save Ana at a critical moment?

6. How is Ana eventually freed from her betrothal?

7. What is Ana's first impression of Jesus, and why does she feel this way about him?

8. Why has Yaltha been banished from Alexandria?

9. What does Yaltha tell Ana to do when her "moment" comes?

10. Why is Jesus a "mamzer" and what does this term mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How could the information in the Author's Note potentially change the way a reader views some of the central themes in the novel? How would you describe Monk Kidd's major motivation or motivations in writing this novel? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

How would you describe Ana's complex feelings towards motherhood and childbearing, especially after the stillbirth of her infant daughter? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

What is the main purpose of Ana's writing in the beginning of the novel, and how does both Ana's writings and her goals regarding her writing change over the course of the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 716 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample