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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 part of his body does Dillon injure when he falls down a hill?

2. What does Tom finally confess to Jackie?

3. Why is Tom worried about the bishop's upcoming visit?

4. In what town does Jackie buy a house?

5. Where is Tom's body taken after he is injured?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What miracle has Hassel seen?

3. What comfort can Jackie take away from Tom's death?

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

5. What does Jackie study in college and what job does she take in Washington?

6. What threat does the dam pose and how do Dillon and Arthur Lee differ in how to manage the problem?

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

8. How will Jackie's profession allow her to shed light on the poverty and suffering of people in her hometown?

9. How has Tom's childhood plagued him and how is he conflicted about his life choices?

10. How has Rachel's illness impacted her life?

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

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

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Jackie's life. Who will be present in her life? Where will she be living? What work will she be doing? What will her thoughts about the world be at this time? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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