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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 was Vanessa's reaction to seeing her grandmother in her casket?

2. Who persuades Grandpa Nye's grandfather to move from Canada to Ohio?

3. Where are Vanessa and her grandfather when he tells her the story of her ancestors again?

4. Who were the members of the L F B M Club?

5. Grandpa had his theories of creationism tested by Alfred Russel Wallace, ____________ partner.

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does Grandpa Nye give Vanessa about keeping company with rivers, lakes and books?

2. How does Vanessa learn that Grandpa Nye is near death?

3. Whose spirit is strong in the room while Vanessa looks over the engravings and books about William Henry Harrison?

4. What aspect of history has always intrigued Grandpa Nye?

5. What does Eugenie reveal about what was found in Grandpa Nye's house when he moved?

6. Why are Vanessa and Lisa uncomfortable in their parents' home?

7. What is Vanessa's only recollection of Grandmother Nye?

8. How does Vanessa's mood brighten on a gloomy October day as she approaches Grandpa Nye's house?

9. How does Grandpa Nye try to keep the family alive throughout the house?

10. What changes have Vanessa and Lisa noticed in their parents during this visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The dead of the house seem to be very much alive for Vanessa. How does she keep them alive? How does Grandpa Nye keep them alive? Why do Vanessa and Grandpa Nye feel it is so important to try to keep them alive? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Ancestry and heritage take on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Grandpa Nye. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 973 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample