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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. As Jack walks along after leaving the store, he recalls being a man of what age?

2. What is Lightning Berlew's wife's name?

3. Why did Jack get frustrated with Will?

4. How did Jack's family feel about the Civil War?

5. What invitation does Mat extend to Jack once in the store?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Mat finds Jack at Jasper Lathrope's store, what is the extent of the conversation Mat has with Jack?

3. Why did Jack confront McGrother?

4. As the book opens, what does Jack remember about mules as he stands on the porch listening to Mat call the cows?

5. What is a horse breaker and what is Jack's experience with it?

6. What happens when Jack is brought out of his memories and into the present?

7. What happened between Jack and Will that caused Will to leave?

8. What is the summary of Mat Feltner's conversation with with his wife about Jack coming to live with them?

9. What was Jack like when he was younger?

10. What was Jack's family's participation in the Civil War, and how did they feel about the issues surrounding it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel seems to use both exposition and flashbacks in the characters' memories to provide information about the past. Explain the difference between exposition and flashback and provide two examples of each literary element. Then explain whether or not you think this method of providing the reader with information about the past is effective.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that compares Clara with Ruth, her mother, and Jack, her father. How is she similar in personality to her parents and how is she different?

Essay Topic 3

Jack reflects on his marriage with much regret. Write an essay that addresses the disappointment that Jack and Ruth had with each other. In what of Jack's character was Ruth disappointed, and in what aspect of Ruth's person was Jack disappointed? How does the character of Hannah Coultner give some clues as to how Jack wishes his disappointment with Ruth had been different?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample