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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. Whom does Willy go to see for help?

2. Who is Elizur Goodrich?

3. What does Willy do on the ship on the way to the Coast?

4. What sort of rumors are flying about in Chapter 11?

5. What does Willy do when she is sent to buy sweets for the tavern?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Willy decide to stay dressed in britches?

2. Why does Mr. Fraunces send Willy to the dock in April?

3. What tips does Horace give Willy about lying when Willy lies about why she has no money?

4. What does Willy learn about her mother's last three years?

5. How does Mr. Goodrich question Willy concerning her freedom papers, and what does he urge her to do?

6. How does Willy get into an uncomfortable situation with Horace because he thinks she is a boy?

7. Why does Mr. Fraunces pay both Willy and Horace, and why does Willy have trouble saving her pay?

8. What does Willy learn from the woman when Willy returns to Canvas Town with some money?

9. Why does Willy want to go to Canvas Town and how does she trick Horace in going with her?

10. How does Mr. Fraunces respond to what Willy tells him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes War Comes to Willy Freeman interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Willy. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Horace. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Captain Ivers. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think War Comes to Willy Freeman ends on a happy note? Why or why not.

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of War Comes to Willy Freeman and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why War Comes to Willy Freeman is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of War Comes to Willy Freeman, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in War Comes to Willy Freeman. The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot. Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not? Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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