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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What occurs at the end of Jack memory at the beginning of the book?
(a) He realizes that he is happy the past is behind him.
(b) A friend he hasn't seen in 30 years arrives at his house.
(c) He starts to cry.
(d) He is brought back to the present with disappointment.

2. What were Jack's thoughts about Ben the first time that he met him?
(a) He wanted some time to get to know him.
(b) He didn't like him for the first few hours, but then eventually warmed up to him.
(c) He knew immediately that he would never like Ben.
(d) He felt safe and comfortable with Ben.

3. What does Jack remember about what occurred on the day after the mules arrived?
(a) One of the mules died.
(b) Ben and Mat got in a fight.
(c) Jack, Ben, and Mat went for a ride in the countryside.
(d) Jack and Ben went for a ride into town.

4. What invitation does Mat extend to Jack once in the store?
(a) Eat dinner with his family.
(b) Move in with he and Margaret.
(c) Become his partner in business.
(d) Buy a piece of his land to add to the farm.

5. How did Jack's family feel about the Civil War?
(a) They had little stake in keeping slavery around, but fought to defend the South from the North.
(b) They believed strongly in the institution of slavery.
(c) They wanted the South to win because they needed slaves to work their land.
(d) They were vehemently opposed to slavery.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the Berlew's new house?

2. What was Jack's reputation?

3. What is the name of Hannah Coulter's first husband?

4. When the novel opens, where is Jack standing?

5. As Jack reflects following his time at the store, what does he think will haunt him for the rest of his life?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jack's relationship with Ben?

2. What memory does Jack have about a day in church when he noticed someone new?

3. What happened to Jack's horses and wagon during the storm that occured while he was in town trying to buy flour?

4. After the dinner at the Feltner's house, what is the memory that Jack has about?

5. What was Jack's relationship with Ben Feltner?

6. How would Jack feel after his nights off?

7. What was Jack's relationship with his father like?

8. What part of Jack's memory at the beginning of the novel involves Mat?

9. What does Jack remember about being twenty-eight years old and being in charge of his family farm?

10. What happened when Jack went into the room right after Ruth gave birth to their son?

(see the answer keys)

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