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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 ends the relationship between Mason and Francis?

2. By what landmark is Mason buried?

3. What does Francis discover on the way to dig Mason's grave?

4. What does Parker tell his wife to make her jealous?

5. Why does Francis visit Mason's nephew?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Julian and his mother at odds over integration?

2. What is the premise of EVERYTHING THAT RISES MUST CONVERGE?

3. How does the schoolteacher react to Mason's death?

4. What is one of Mason's most controversial decisions?

5. Why is Mr. Fortune so drawn to Mary and not his other grandchildren?

6. What does the schoolteacher consider hopeful after Mason's death?

7. How does Mason die and who buries him?

8. What is the premise of A VIEW OF THE WOODS?

9. Explain the irony of Mr. Fortune's discipline of Mary.

10. What is the premise of THE VIOLENT BEAR IT AWAY?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the stories. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the stories. Then cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Ruby Hill. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

(see the answer keys)

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