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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. In what state does the story take place?

2. A man from which government agency shows up at Dillon's house to tell him that there is an injunction against the strike?

3. In what year does Dillon get out of jail?

4. Who is Rachel's roommate at nursing school?

5. Where does Tony go when he leaves the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Rachel ultimately surrender to her love for Dillon?

2. How does Dillon mirror his father's life regarding standing up for the coal miners?

3. What does Jackie know about what Arthur Lee does to harm the people in the Number Thirteen community?

4. What is Fiona's interest in the Kentucky Derby?

5. Who is Tony Angelelli?

6. After the war, why does Rachel fight her attraction to Dillon even though he is even more good-looking now?

7. Why does Rachel stay in her unhappy marriage with Tony?

8. How do Carrie and Fiona differ in their opinions about a romantic relationship between Dillon and Rachel?

9. Who is Fred and how does he disappoint Rachel?

10. Who is the father of Rachel's baby and why does she refrain from making her love for Dillon public?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is much symbolism in this story, especially the mines. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Explain some of the examples of regionalism found in the book. Can regionalism include more than accents and food? What else encompasses the culture and personality of a region?

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