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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 type of lessons does Grandfather give Mattie?

2. What language are the Ogilvie children studying?

3. How long have Mattie and Grandfather gone?

4. What do the men in the coffeehouse say that they need to find for Mattie?

5. Why does Mrs. Epler, the egg vendor, say that people are dying?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Grandfather as he leaves on the wagon.

2. Why does Mrs. Bowles suggest to Mattie that she come work at the orphan house?

3. What has Grandfather been doing while Mattie has been recovering?

4. What does Nathaniel Benson send Mattie?

5. What is the soldier's trick for finding water that Mattie uses?

6. Why does the church bell ring twenty-one times?

7. Why does Eliza feel that Philadelphia is the best city for free African Americans to live?

8. How does the author use foreshadowing to tell the reader that Colette may be ill?

9. What scares Mattie more than anything at the end of Chapter 12?

10. Describe Mattie's morning in Chapter 1.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the first chapter and the epilogue. There are many similarities and differences between these two chapters. Compare and contrast these two chapters paying particular attention to the main characters. Be sure to cite specific examples to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Philadelphia is an important setting in the novel. Discuss the significance of this setting focusing on its impact on plot and character development. Then discuss how the story would be different if the story were set elsewhere. Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Mattie and her mother's relationship develops and their bond is strengthened through absence.

1) Describe their relationship at several points in the novel.

2) Explain how their relationship changes.

3) Analyze why this change happens. What causes it to happen?

Use evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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