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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 is the name of Vanessa's grandfather?

2. Where did Vanessa's great-great-grandparents eventually settle?

3. From what country do Vanessa's ancestors come?

4. Grandpa Nye says that there is no _________________ in the family.

5. Grandpa Nye is filled with sadness for _____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the protagonist of the story?

2. What amazing war story does Grandpa Nye tell Vanessa about James DeGolyer?

3. Explain the L F B M Club.

4. What topic of conversation does Vanessa's father bring up which surprises her in light of the sad news about Grandpa Nye?

5. What is especially poignant about the family's leaving Grandpa Nye's hospital room?

6. What does Grandpa Nye tell Vanessa about the DeGolyer branch of her family tree?

7. How did Grandpa Nye's family happen to end up in Cincinnati?

8. How does Vanessa begin the story?

9. From where did Vanessa's great-great-grandparents come?

10. How does Grandpa Nye feel now about his days of paddling canoes as a boy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE DEAD OF THE HOUSE is a classic coming of age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Vanessa, Lisa and their parents. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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