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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 does Merricat notice as she watches Constance and Charles talk?

2. What is the name of the man who comes to the house in Chapter 4?

3. Where does Merricat write the first of her three powerful words?

4. How many years has it been since the Blackwell family died?

5. What does Merricat check for damage on the Blackwood property?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Mary Katherine's routine when she visited the village?

2. How does Merricat describe her sense that something is going to change is Chapter 4?

3. Describe the Blackwoods' collection of preserves.

4. Who are Julian and Jonas?

5. What does Constance consider wearing in Chapter 5? What does this tell us about her?

6. What does Merricat say will remind her to be kind to Uncle Julian in Chapter 4?

7. What does Mary Katherine wonder about the library books in Chapter 1?

8. Where does Merricat go in Chapter 4?

9. Who comes to see Julian in Chapter 3? What does Constance do before his arrival?

10. What does Julian ask Charles about at breakfast? How does Charles act toward Julian?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and interpret the character Constance. What are her defining character traits? What is her role in the story? How is she related to the protagonist? Is she an important character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the motif of superstition in the novel. Which character(s) are superstitious? What are some examples of superstition in the novel? Why might Merricat be superstitious? What are some examples of when Merricat exhibits superstitious behavior?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret the information given about the murders? How might they have taken place and why? In what manner does Jackson share the information about the murders? Is the identity of the murderer a surprise?

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