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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. Dillon vows to see Rachel ___________________.

2. What question does Jackie ask Dillon that makes him clam up?

3. Why do Hassel and Tom go to the Governor's Office in Charleston?

4. Who unexpectedly returns to town?

5. What happens when the dam begins to breach?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What miracle has Hassel seen?

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

4. How does Tom's behavior show that he is still conflicted about being a priest in spite of the bishop's absolution?

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

6. How does Hassel help Tom out when he learns that the bishop is coming for a visit?

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

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

9. What are the possible interpretations of Tom's telling Jackie that they are "not done" yet?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Dillon. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Dillon?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the novel and note why they are examples of irony.

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