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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. Who is the dressmaker for Aurelia and Rose?

2. Into whose manor is Mary moving in Chapter 18?

3. What famous historical trial regarding evolution is referenced in Chapter 11?

4. To whom does Willa give the Navajo rug in Chapter 17?

5. In the opening of Chapter 16, the narrator states, "Once, for nearly a fortnight, Thatcher slept" where (417)?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the debate conclude in Chapter 12?

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

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

4. What do Tig and Zeke argue about in Chapter 11?

5. What is being celebrated in Chapter 17? How is the celebration described?

6. What are Willa's future plans at the end of her narrative in Chapter 17?

7. How would you compare the demeanors of Thatcher and Cutler in the debate in Chapter 12?

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

9. What are Thatcher's future plans in Chapter 18?

10. How is the lecture/debate described 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

Discuss the character of Nick in Unsheltered. How does Nick stand apart from his family in the contemporary timeline? What is the extent of Nick's health problems? How does Nick's character evolve in the course of the narrative?

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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