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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 complications does Bess experience with the birth of her child?

2. What does Will do before leaving Watertown?

3. What news does Will deliver to Bess?

4. What does it mean when Toby upsets the grave site of Telaka's mother?

5. What has happened to Anne Hutchinson?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What surprising statement does the harsh John Winthrop make just prior to his death?

4. How does Bess meet up again with Will Hallet?

5. What would make the villagers accuse Bess of being a witch?

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

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

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

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

10. What happens when Will and Bess return to New Amsterdam in Chapter 23?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bess had originally loved her cousin, Jack, at the beginning of the book yet she married his brother, Harry. Explain Bess' hesitancy to declare her true feelings for Jack when it could have made a difference. Why would Bess settle for Harry when she did not love him? Explain the impact of making important life decisions when a person is too immature or caught up in the excitement of a fleeting feeling. How would Bess' life had changed if she had voiced her love for Jack early in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Bess and Harry both admit to being black sheep in the Winthrop family. They each crave excitement and adventure too. Compare and contrast Bess and Harry' personalities, experiences and behavior? Is their relationship ill fated? Why or why not? Would their marriage have lasted if Harry had lived longer?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Elizabeth (Bess) Fones. What is her fundamental personality? What is it about her that causes such consternation within the Winthrop family? Given Bess' independent nature and spirit of adventure, she seems suited to be a women's rights leader. Is Bess born ahead of her time? Why or why not? How does Bess' personality both help her and hinder her throughout her life?

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This section contains 935 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample