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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. Who is with Nick in this story?

2. Who is Nick's younger sister?

3. Where does Nick's father go instead of going back to fight with the man?

4. What do Nick and Leon take with them into the lifeboats?

5. Where is Nick headed in this story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Nick in this story and what is his interaction with a disgruntled fellow soldier?

2. What does Nick's father tell his wife about the fight with the other man over the wood?

3. What is Nick doing as the story begins and who does he meet?

4. Explain the theme of the conflict between friendship and fun in this story.

5. What is the nature of Nick's relationship with his sister, Littless?

6. What is the activity in this very short story?

7. What happens when Nick and his friends pass some Indians on their way home on the Fourth of July?

8. Does Hemingway give a clear reason for Nick's activity in this story?

9. How does Hemingway show his love of nature through Nick's actions in this story?

10. What are Nick and his friend, George, doing in this story and what fear does George share about the nature of their relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hemingway gives Nick the ability to see beyond immediate pain and discomfort by putting him in situations that give him hope. Cite some examples where Nick's mood and spirits lift when his hopeful nature takes over.

Essay Topic 2

Hemingway writes most of these stories on the theme of the fear of death. Choose three characters from any of the stories and give their views on death. Are they afraid? Do they live in denial? How do they approach it?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the format of the book. What is the purpose of the Preface? What is the purpose of the Stories? What is the purpose of including unfinished and unpublished work?

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