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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 Mompellion do after Elinor's death that is unusual?

2. What does Anna try to do for the rector but is unable?

3. What is Anna's father sentenced to?

4. Whom does Anna want to see before they die from the plague?

5. What deal does Anna make with her father in return for his service digging graves?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Elinor say when she is delirious? What might this mean? Why does the rector excuse Anna so curtly?

2. Why is the rector summoned to Christopher Unwin's house? Why does Anna see Christopher again later, bloody and naked?

3. Where does Anna hope she will find relief? How does her knowledge of herbs comfort her?

4. Why is Anna crying in the kitchen? How is it therapeutic for her to tell Elinor her feeling about her father?

5. What image of Elinor's death does the author convey? What might this symbolize or show about Anna's view of Elinor?

6. How does the rector react to Elinor and Anna's actions? What is odd about his reaction when he first sees them?

7. Why doesn't Anna use the letter of introduction the rector wrote for her? What danger lurks for her if she isn't careful?

8. Who is dragged to the bonfire accused of being the "ghost" of Anys Gowdie and selling the villagers spells and advice? What do they want done to her for this deception?

9. What makes Anna even angrier as she leaves the Mowbrays'? What conclusion does she consider as a result of this?

10. Why is Anna repulsed by the rector? How do you think this contributes to the choice of her final destination in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Think about all the tragic events Anna witnesses during the plague. Which of these, in your opinion, influenced her the most in forging her own life far away from the village and all the people she knows? Why? Explain in detail.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the roles that Anna and Elinor fill for the rector. Then consider these two characters and their similarities and differences. How is Anna's role with the rector different from Elinor's? Does Anna betray Elinor after Elinor is dead? Why? Why does Anna decide to forge her own path instead of going to Elinor's father's house for safety?

Essay Topic 3

Anna and Elinor have a very close relationship in the novel, almost that of mother and daughter. Discuss the evolution of their relationship, and how Elinor fills a void in Anna's life, especially after the loss of her sons. Think of Anna's upbringing, her class, and job.

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