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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 does Telaka tell Bess when they meet in the woods?

2. With what physical problems is Robert Feake troubled?

3. How does Bess perceive her new son-in-law, Thomas?

4. What does Bell beg Telaka not to tell her tribe?

5. What complications does Bess experience with the birth of her child?

Short Essay Questions

1. What occurs in Chapter 18 which is a mixed blessing for Bess?

2. What is the final symbolic representation of Bess' marriage to Robert?

3. What is the symbolism of Bess' new home in Watertown?

4. How does the claims by other countries affect Bess personally?

5. Where do Will, Bess and the children settle into a new home?

6. Why does Toby build on a room to Bess' house?

7. What does Bess do when she and Will are accused of adultery and are about to be parted forever?

8. What happens when the new governor refuses to marry Will and Bess?

9. Under what conditions is Bess' divorce from Robert granted?

10. What does the letter from George Baxter represent to Bess?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bess does not believe in God ever since her flogging as a child yet she is the kindest character in the book. Does Bess have her own version of religion? Does Bess have an innate goodness and spirituality that does not need formality? How can Bess continue to live her life without the validation of a formal religion? Why doesn't she just give in and declare her profession of faith so that her life will be easier? What is Bess' internal code of conduct and why can't she be swayed in any other direction?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the feelings the Winthrop family must have experienced when they hear reports that people in the New World want to return to England? Do you think they voiced their concerns to John Winthrop? To each other? What trepidation must each one of them experienced? How was Bess' experience different from Margaret's? What would have happened to them if they had refused to board the ship?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Telaka exhibit such loyalty toward Bess? Telaka had several reasons for betraying Bess and her family yet she does not. Explain her motives. Do you find it ironic that the "savage" Telaka exhibits more kindness and loyalty to Bess than does her own uncle, "the civilized" John Winthrop? Explain why Bess finds her ultimate peace and serenity in the company of Telaka and not from any sermon of John Winthrop's.

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