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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. In Chapter 10, who does Philomene glimpse as missing from the family in the future?

2. Why is Philomene glad Narcisse has remarried?

3. How does Palmire communicate?

4. How old is Suzette at the opening of Chapter 3?

5. What does Suzette do to Madame Derbanne's favorite roses the next morning after the opening of Cane River?

Short Essay Questions

1. What present is mentioned in Chapter 13 that Clement is making for Philomene?

2. What does Narcisse ask Tessier concerning Clement?

3. What does Suzette ask Oreline to do, and what is Oreline's response?

4. How does Philomene feel about Narcisse's marriage?

5. Who is Suzette's father, and what does he do?

6. With whom is Suzette enamored, but what is her mother's response to that?

7. What does Suzette immediately do when Francoise dies?

8. What does Philomene say to Clement in Chapter 12 when he tells her he traveled by boat to visit her?

9. What does Suzette say about her relationship to Eugene?

10. What does Joseph Ferrier agree to do after Suzette talks to Oreline in Chapter 14?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Cane River, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

Do you think most people want a happy ending in a novel? Do you think Cane River would qualify as a novel with a happy ending? Why or why not? What do you think are three reasons to read fiction and do you think Cane River fulfills these three reasons? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Narcisse tells Philomene that she needs "a man who could protect her." Philomene is unimpressed with the argument, saying that the only thing she actually needs protection from is slavery and that Narcisse isn't going to do that.

What are some of the ways in which Narcisse does protect Philomene, and why do you think he never freed her? Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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