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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. Why is John Winthrop's wife, Margaret, ailing at Groton?

2. Why would John Winthrop be inclined to go to the new world, America?

3. Why does the Fones family not celebrate Christmas?

4. After what group is John Winthrop's new colony patterned?

5. Of what crime has Peyto been accused?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is John Winthrop worried after his ship sets sail for New England?

2. What is it about Anne Hutchinson's beliefs that is so appealing to Bess?

3. What happens to Bess after John Winthrop orders Harry to accompany him to New England?

4. Who is William Coddington and what is Bess' opinion of him?

5. Why has Bess become a controversial and suspicious character among the villagers in Watertown where she lives?

6. What is the mood surrounding the adventure to the new world as Chapter 7 begins?

7. What is Bess' state of mind in Chapter 4?

8. What is happening at Groton Manor which adds to Bess' anguish?

9. Explain the irony of the imposition of religious beliefs on people in New England.

10. Who makes an unexpected visit to Bess and her daughter, Joan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the purpose of Bess' punishment by her Uncle John. Should the intolerance for anything outside the Puritan religion be extended to the children? Does Uncle John succeed in teaching Bess the lesson he had hoped to or does she take away something completely counter to his purpose? Explain the use of humiliation as a form of punishment and whether or not it accomplishes anything other than inciting hatred toward the one administering the punishment.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the wedding between Robert Feake and Bess. What is the symbolism in the joyless ceremony? What could Bess expect from married life after such a somber beginning? Why did Bess go through with the marriage in spite of her distaste for Feake?

Essay Topic 3

In spite of her controversial nature, Bess is the healthiest character in the book. Explain why you think this is the case. Does Bess' mental state mirror her physical state? Does her positive outlook help her stay centered and healthy? Or does Bess' willfulness refuse to give in to weakness of any kind. Give your thoughts about Bess' state of healthy mind and body.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 958 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample