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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. Why can Lydia not marry Tom?

2. When Sammie admits to Dencey that he cannot read, he is being _________________.

3. What did the people of Nantucket rely on to make their living?

4. Who is Stephen's handicapped daughter?

5. What makes Dencey so happy about spending time with Tom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the family's response to Tom's homecoming, and what shock is in store for Tom regarding the size of his family now?

2. What does Dencey think about as she sits in her room?

3. How does Dencey react to Sammie's response to her offers of forgiveness?

4. Why is Lydia so concerned about the strength of Dencey's religious faith?

5. How do Tom and Dencey spend their time together while he is home from the sea?

6. What role does Elias,Tom's father, take on in the household? What does he do that scares Dencey?

7. How does Dencey's faith compare to her cousin Hopestill's faith?

8. How does Tom Coffyn meet Lydia Severance?

9. What objects which Tom brings home does Dencey especially like? Why does her mother chastise her admiration of them?

10. What disheartening news does Lydia receive in a letter from Tom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Injun Jill. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 2

Religion takes on an almost human persona in this book. What role does religion play in the lives of the characters? What disagreements occurred over religion? What decisions were made in the name of religion? Are there instances where unkind events happen in the name of religion? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply DOWNRIGHT DENCEY. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

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