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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 Revolutionary War figure was a resident of Robert's town?

2. What is Robert's father's name?

3. How does the cow injure Robert?

4. What are Papa's plans for Robert on this day?

5. What does Robert pull from the cow's throat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What Shaker belief rules the building of Pinky's home?

2. Why is Robert not offended by the stench of animal slaughtering on his father?

3. What is humorous about Robert's interpretation of his aunt's proposal of tutoring?

4. How does everyone at the farm view the birth of the new kittens?

5. Explain why even though Papa has no formal education, he is still well aware of his worth.

6. What delight does Robert find waiting for him when he arrives home?

7. How is Papa's sense of humor revealed in Chapter 3?

8. Describe Robert's appreciation for his simple meal of succotash and milk.

9. What is the metaphor Robert sees in the dust trail left by a wagon?

10. What is the relationship between Robert and Pinky?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On the day his father dies, Robert notices Papa's tools worn to a golden finish as well as a cigar box containing papers on which Papa had attempted to write his name. What is the significance of these two items? What do they represent now for Robert? What did they represent for Papa?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Papa's evolving relationship with Robert. How does he gently guide him into becoming a man and being able to take over the farm?

Essay Topic 3

The reader is introduced to some Shaker folklore in Chapter 2 while the family is tending to Robert's wounds sustained while helping the cow. Cite at least three examples of Shaker folklore in the book and note why you selected these examples as representative of the Shaker culture.

(see the answer keys)

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