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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 it mean when Ferrier begins to bleed from the eyes and mouth?

2. With what does Philomene say her family's lives are filled?

3. With what mentality does Emily think the older women in her family live?

4. Of what does Oreline seem afraid when talking to Philomene in Chapter 17?

5. What is Philomene's response to Narcisse's decision?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 27, what does Narcisse say Emily is to do concerning her education?

2. What does Emily do in Chapter 31 that seems to indicate her relationship with Joseph is serious?

3. What is the argument between Oreline and Philomene about who owes whom in Chapter 24?

4. In Chapter 31, what does narration say about Joseph's life so far?

5. In Chapter 23, what does Oreline ask of her husband concerning the war, and what is his response?

6. What does Philomene think one day in Chapter 16 when she sees Clement holding one of their daughters?

7. What does Narcisse say he worries about concerning Emily?

8. What do the Union armies start doing, and what is Philomene's response?

9. What do Narcisse, Antoine Morat and Joseph Ferrier who come to visit Joseph tell him?

10. How does Philomene feel about the lives of her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On the day of her confirmation, Suzette seems to realize that her dreams are all for nothing without consent. She tells her mother that she wants a church wedding at St. Augustine when she marries. She then acknowledges that it doesn't matter what she wants and that her owners will make those decisions for her.

Discuss Suzette’s life with the implications of having no control over any aspect of her life. Use examples from Cane River to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than an action-driven plot, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character are developed to the same degree? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Cane River is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Cane River belongs to the historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

Define the literary term "genre" and name three other genres in addition to the historical fiction genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of assigning a genre to a novel? What do you think is the difference between a historical fiction and a science fiction novel or a mystery?

(see the answer keys)

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