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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. Which of the following characters first tried the machine after Leo announced it was finished?

2. Where does Douglas go with his brother Tom and his Father?

3. How does the children's disbelief make Helen feel?

4. What are jackstones?

5. What is mother doing while Tom sits by the front door screen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Douglas and his father experience very differently and provide one example of how they see the same event quite differently?

2. What is the overall tone of the opening of this novel and why do you believe that is the case?

3. How do Tom's fears come to surround him, make him feel, and expand into his imagination?

4. How did Helen overcome her exasperation at the children not being able to accept the fact that she was once young?

5. What ruins Douglas' zest for life and desire to take in every new detail?

6. What does the Green Machine offer to Miss Fern and Miss Roberta that is suddenly taken away after the accident?

7. Name two examples where Douglas tried to cling to something in order to control destiny or change.

8. Describe how Douglas feels as he completes the task for his grandfather and describe what the tasks are.

9. Why does Douglas' Grandfather become so upset at the idea of his neighbor replacing his grass with some that does not grow as fast?

10. Why did the accident with Mr. Quartermain distress Miss Fern and Miss Roberta so much?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the themes of man and nature developed throughout the novel. Use specific examples from the text to support your statements. Do you believe the author does a good job at developing these themes? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe in detail the changes Douglas undergoes throughout the novel. Use specific details from the novel to support your description. Do you believe the changes were for the positive? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Kinship and personal connections are often explored throughout the novel. How and why is this an important part of the novel's themes? Do you agree with the way the author portrays these concepts? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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