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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 is it about going to town that Eldon likes best?

2. What do Uncle David and Nels do that makes Eldon think they don't like the killing either?

3. What does Father say that lets Eldon know it's fall?

4. Who made the rock fireplace at the lake?

5. Where do Eldon and Wayne put their mittens to dry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Wayne and Eldon do after they find the western?

2. Compare Uncle David's side of the room with Nels' side.

3. What are some of the things Eldon says happens when fall is over but winter hasn't yet formally arrived?

4. Describe how Father pulls stumps out of the ground.

5. What does the family eat at their annual picnic to the lake?

6. Describe the haying process.

7. What are some of the "lights" Eldon describes in the opening chapter?

8. Why is the lake called Jenny's Lake and what does Eldon say about it?

9. Why does Uncle David believe everyone works so much harder in the summer than in the winter?

10. What are some of the smells Eldon describes in the opening chapter called "Tuning?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the first story Uncle David tells each winter? Why is that story important to him? What are the reactions of each of the other family members to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Eldon. What is his role in the story? What kind of boy is he?

Essay Topic 3

Eldon says that he hate the idea of all the killing that goes on in fall but he can't keep from watching. Wayne says that's "two-faced." Do you believe Wayne is correct? Why or why not? Why does Eldon watch?

(see the answer keys)

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