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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 Caleb call Bethia in private?

2. Why is Bethia surprised at what Caleb tells her about what he's been doing?

3. What has the sonquem asked of Mayfield?

4. With whom does Caleb agree to study?

5. Upon what does Bethia's narration focus in this section?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bethia say is the reason for the tension between her father and Makepeace, and why is it strange that they are upset with each other?

2. How does Bethia describe her life in Cambridge?

3. How does Bethia feel about Solace?

4. What does Bethia do that she attributes to Satan's influence and what are the consequences?

5. Where is Bethia sent and what are the aftereffects of her drinking out of the gourd?

6. What happens to Bethia's sister Solace?

7. Describe the effect of Bethia's father's preaching on the Wampanoag.

8. What does Bethia's say is her current situation when this section opens and why is she going to continue writing?

9. What does Bethia say about her two brothers and what her father says about females?

10. What does Noah show Bethia the next morning and what is her reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Caleb's Crossing. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Brooks chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Brooks's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Brooks use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Bethia and Caleb. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Caleb and Joel. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Caleb's Crossing help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Caleb's Crossing help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Caleb's Crossing? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Caleb's Crossing to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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