View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mike do when he heads to the beach and is overcome with emotion?

2. What type of flowers does Mike see in his dream and also in a photo taken by Bill Dean?

3. When is the last time Mike sees his wife?

4. How many railroad tie steps are there between Mike's house and the lake?

5. Why does Mattie call Mike in the morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. How had Mattie tried to cooperate with Max regarding Kyra?

2. In what state of mind does Mike bring the Selectric typewriter to his office and what does he think is the reason?

3. What does Mike send his editor who pushes for the completion of his fourth book?

4. Who is the protagonist of the story and what tragedy befalls his wife very early in the story?

5. When do Mike's nightmares begin?

6. What is Mike's profession and how does his work suffer after the death of his wife?

7. Why is Mike so moved by all that has happened to him since he has returned to Sara Laughs?

8. Why does Mike think that there must not be a connection between Mattie and Max Devore, a wealthy man in the area?

9. Where does Mike go on his first vacation without Jo and what realization does he come to there?

10. Why is Mike surprised by his budding friendship with Mattie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Kyra. What is her role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Kyra's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the book. Explain the methods and attempts to overcome it.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,207 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample