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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. Which of the following does Beatrice NOT think after she is left alone in the house?

2. Who does the wheat doll resemble this year?

3. What is typically placed on top of the final shock of wheat?

4. What sign do the villagers make in Beatrice's presence?

5. What eventually kills Mama?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Celia reject Beatrice's plan for Julia's inheritance of Wideacre?

2. What causes Mama to collapse in the library?

3. How has the wheat harvest changed now that Beatrice is in control?

4. How does John respond when he sees the newborn child?

5. How does Beatrice know that Ralph is getting closer to returning to Wideacre?

6. Explain Beatrice's perspective on love.

7. How does Beatrice know that Ralph has returned?

8. How does Beatrice try to abort another child?

9. How does Beatrice reinforce her ploy to have John sent away by planting a bottle of liquor in his room?

10. What instructions does John provide to care for Mama who has had a major shock?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in the book. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story regarding the wheat harvest. What does the wheat symbolize for the workers? What does it mean for Beatrice and Wideacre? How does the nature of the wheat harvest change as the story extends?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the taboo of incest as portrayed in the story. Why would the author have included such a controversial topic in the novel? Was incest more accepted in the 18th century than it is now? Explain.

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