View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the coal company which has negative intent for Homeplace?

2. Where does Tom ask Jackie to meet him sometime?

3. What does Hassel pick up while at the Governor's Office?

4. For what does Hassel pray when the bishop comes?

5. What topic does Dillon talk to Jackie about so that she will write an editorial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impact can Dillon see that the strike will have on the way of life he has known?

2. What happens when the machine involved in moving the graves malfunctions?

3. What significance do black lungs have for the story?

4. Describe the poignancy of Dillon being present for Rachel's death in the hospital.

5. How have Jackie and Tom's feelings for each other paralleled those shared by Dillon and Rachel?

6. Why do the family graves need to be moved after the American Coal Company obtains rights to Homeplace?

7. Why is Dillon driven to tell Jackie that he is her father?

8. How does Dillon exhibit his loyalty both in his personal and professional life?

9. What is Jackie's role in the miners' strike as a member of the press?

10. What open job does Dillon tell Jackie about and what does he promise to do if she takes it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the overall setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Giardina choose to use these places in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author present point of view of the story? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular style of presenting points of view from the main characters? How is the point of view determined? Provide an example that supports your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 938 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample