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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rod tell Johnny after he reaches the serpentine rock?

2. Who hears the blast before slipping into unconsciousness?

3. Who is the old rival that competes with Johnny?

4. Who boils the mercury to release the gold?

5. Who puts his hand on Hettie's thigh after the fight her husband has?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Rod. 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 at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Power in society is a prevailing theme of "Gold Mine". Smith frequently refers to this theme, painting the picture of two worlds that are struggling for power and survival. How does power relate to having gold or wealth? Which characters appear honest and which appear corrupt and why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they were initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Smith describes? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

There are many different cultures in "Gold Mine" related to the different kinds of characters and the different settings. Which aspects appear invented and which characters seem modeled or inspired by real people in Smith's life? Do some research and discuss.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 247 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample