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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 happiness does Bess have in her life now?

2. What shocking news does Jack receive in a letter?

3. Why does Thomas feel he should have Will's position?

4. Why does Telaka bring her brother, Keoferram, to Bess?

5. What does Robert do to Bess?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What occurs in Chapter 18 to mark the turning point of Bess' personal life?

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

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

5. How does Bess' life change dramatically for Bess in Chapter 16?

6. How does Telaka prove her loyalty to Bess in Chapter 16?

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

8. In addition to England, what other countries are claiming territory in the New World?

9. What spiritual experience does Bess have in Chapter 24?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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