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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 Henning do about the Izaak Walton book to prove to Ma that her opinion of it is wrong?

2. What is the difference in philosophies on raising children between Henning and Carolina?

3. What happened with the Doberman and Ma?

4. What story does Gus begin to tell at the dinner table in "Voiding My Rheum" that starts an argument between his parents?

5. How is Gus considered by others in the public school system as a young boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Titus and Gus connect?

2. How does Gus believe that he became a fishing prodigy?

3. Why does Gus feel sorry for Sigrid the minnow he puts in his tank? What is he learning about himself through his feelings for her?

4. Why is Gus searching for the answer to death?

5. How does the "Rogue River War" create a stronger bond between Carolina and Henning rather than breaking them apart due to their differences?

6. How does Gus differ from the other children?

7. What are Ma's and Henning's philosophies of death?

8. How do Ma and Henning attempt to make the cabin livable for Gus?

9. What catches Gus completely off guard in his ideal setting and lifestyle?

10. What does Gus see as the problem with Ma's two emotions that Gus describes in full at the end of the chapter "Being Educated & Gittin' Brung Up"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Henning's view of the world. Where do his understandings come from? How is his background different from Ma's? How does his view of the world affect his children?

Essay Topic 2

What Taoist story does Gus tell at the end of the novel and how does it relate to what Gus has learned?

Essay Topic 3

What significance does the singing mouse play to the theme of hope?

(see the answer keys)

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