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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. Where was Rose's husband when Jack saw Rose after the time had elapsed following their first meeting?

2. What were Jack's wishes for burial?

3. Specifically, what do the people who gather to remember Jack recall about him?

4. How did Ruth feel about the mortgage being paid off?

5. Who are the people who gather on Jack's farm in the Epilogue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Andy do before he leaves Port William to go to college?

2. What was Clara's life like after college?

3. What kind of things does Wheeler see that remind him of Jack?

4. What happened after Jack found Ruth struggling to breathe?

5. What does Mat observe and realize after the preacher concludes his prayer during Jack's funeral?

6. How did Jack first meet Rose McInnis?

7. What was Jack's relationship with Glad like?

8. What was the result of Jack's plans for Glad and Clara to take over the farm?

9. Why is Mat annoyed with the preacher during Jack's funeral?

10. Who is Wheeler and why has he had to spend more time away from the farm than usual?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the author's point in writing this novel? Clearly, Wendell Berry was trying to get a message to Americans through Jack's story. Write an essay that explains what you think Berry's point is and whether or not he was effective in making the point.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Wendell Berry uses symbolism throughout The Memory of Old Jack. There is symbolism in the book title, in the chapter titles, and in the events that Jack remembers. Write an essay that focuses on three specific incidences of symbolism in the novel. Summarize the symbolism elements you have chosen to write about and explain what each element represents.

(see the answer keys)

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