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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. Where does Willis say Carruth was shot?

2. Whose family is described in Chapter 11 as "a big, loyal household of parentless siblings holding it all together" (290)?

3. Who is giving the lecture that Thatcher attends in the beginning of Chapter 10?

4. What state's presidential primary election is the focus of the news broadcasts in Chapter 13?

5. Whose reaction to Darwin's theories does Cutler present from the Quarterly Review in the debate in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. How have the living/sleeping arrangements in Willa's house changed in Chapter 11? Why?

2. What are Mary's future plans in Chapter 18?

3. Where does Nick insist he wants to go the following day in Chapter 13? Why?

4. What does Thatcher learn from Willis and Selma in Chapter 14?

5. How is Carruth's home described in Chapter 14? Why does Thatcher go there?

6. Where has Tig decided to move in Chapter 15? Why?

7. What are the principles Thatcher presents in his opening for the debate in Chapter 12?

8. Who has been shot in Chapter 14? Who is the shooter? Where did the crime occur?

9. How is the theme of generational differences explored in Chapter 15?

10. What important information does Thatcher learn from Carruth in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the controversies of Charles Darwin and his work historically, and examine how these controversies are portrayed in the novel. When was Origin of Species published? How was it received critically? Why is Darwin's work, and the understanding of that work, important in Unsheltered?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Polly and Rose in the novel. What is the age difference between these sisters? What are each of these characters' main interests? To which character do you relate the most? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the references and allusions to contemporary politics, media, and pop culture in Unsheltered. Based on the political events described in the contemporary timeline, when does Willa's story begin? How does Willa feel about the political landscape in which she lives? How do you relate to Willa's thoughts on this regard?

(see the answer keys)

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