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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. Whom does Bethia have to listen to when they get to the college?

2. What does Samuel bring to his first meeting with Bethia?

3. What does Bethia urge Caleb to do about his anger concerning Anne?

4. Who is John Harvard?

5. Who is Caleb and Joel's first tutor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Caleb still disturbed about the situation with Anne and what does he do?

2. How do Caleb and Joel do on their entrance exams?

3. How does Bethia help Caleb die with peace and dignity?

4. How has Makepeace arranged to buy Bethia out of her indenture?

5. What is Smauel Corlett like?

6. What does Bethia say to Corlett about applying for a position at another school and what is his response?

7. Describe a little about Anne's life.

8. What is surprising about Mayfield's will?

9. Why has Noah Merry come to Cambridge and what news does he bring?

10. What does Bethia say about her marriage to Samuel and their trip to Italy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Caleb's actions in Chapter 7 can clearly be seen as an important component of his overall journey and intention - to be as fully native a man as he can within the context of being as fully Christian a man as he can. The former is his identity, the latter is the filter through which that identity can function to the benefit of his people. In other words, Caleb's choices and his reactions to those choices are clear manifestations of the work's thematic interest in the struggles faced by individuals to define individual identity; in particular, finding the balance between what internal drives dictate and what external circumstances demand.

1. Discuss, in depth, the conflict between Caleb's native culture and the Christian religion. Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

2. How do you think Caleb's choices and his reactions portrays the them of identity? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

3. Do you think the balance between internal drives and external circumstances is universal to the human race? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and Caleb's Crossing to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Caleb's Crossing and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Caleb's Crossing is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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